Cross Cultural Communication
From Your San Fernando Pick and Pack
Center in Southern California
Riverplate Fulfillment and Trucking

Cross Cultural Communication.

River Plate is bringing you this series of pages on the theme of communication as a service to our customers, the business owner. We understand the importance of having a healthy repoire with our associates and friends and we want to make our customers aware of the various ways that properly executed communication can benefit them personally and professionally.

The services we provide (Pick and Pack in Southern California, Nationwide Trucking, and fulfillment in California...to name a couple) could not be done without our loyal customers. It is because of them that Riverplate continues to grow year after year. Our goal is 100% satisfaction on the work and service we provide to all of our customers.

Knowledge

The key to effective cross-cultural communication (also known as inter-cultural communication) is knowledge. First, it is essential to understand the potential problems of this type of communication, and make a conscious effort to overcome these problems. Second, it is important to assume that one's efforts will not always be successful, and adjust one's behavior appropriately.

For example, one should always assume that there is a significant possibility that cultural differences are causing communication problems, and be willing to be patient and forgiving, rather than hostile and aggressive, if problems develop. One should respond slowly and carefully in cross-cultural exchanges, not jumping to the conclusion that you know what the intention is of the speaker.

Definition

Within the business context, inter-cultural communication refers to interpersonal communication and interaction across different cultures.

This has become an important issue in our age of globalization. Effective inter-cultural communication is concerned with overcoming cultural differences across nationality, religion, border, culture and behavior.

Inter-cultural communication is critical to the business world. The diversity of people in cities and countries means an element of this type of communication will always be needed whether it is between staff, colleagues, customers or clients. Awareness of cultural differences can favorably impact the success of a business. Improved staff interaction, better customer relations and effective client management are all areas that will reap benefits through cross cultural understanding.

Although inter-cultural communication competency can only be truly achieved through cross-cultural awareness training, language acquisition, foreign travel and cultural immersion there are some guidelines that can enhance your inter-cultural communication skills.

Here are 5 points that will greatly assist one in this regard:

1. Cross Cultural Communication / Listening
Although an emphasis usually lies on being a competent speaker, listening is a key skill that many business personnel do not exercise enough. For inter-cultural communication, attentive listening is critical to be able to understand meaning, read between the lines and enable empathies within the speaker to reach out to his audience.

2. Cross Cultural Communication / Speaking
Listening and speaking must work in tandem for effective inter-cultural communication. Speaking well is not so much about the topic, use of grammar and vocabulary or having the gift of the gab. Rather, all truly effective communication gets its real meaning through positive speech such as encouragement, affirmation, recognition and phrasing.

3. Cross Cultural Communication / Body Language
Large amounts of cross cultural information can be read in people's dress, body language, interaction and behavior. Be aware of differences with your own culture and try to understand the roots of behaviors. Asking questions expands your cross-cultural knowledge.

4. Cross Cultural Communication / Patience
Man has been created differently and we need to recognize and understand that sometimes cross cultural differences are annoying and frustrating. In these situations patience is definitely a virtue. Through patience, respect is won and cross-cultural understanding is enhanced.

5. Cross Cultural Communication / Flexibility
Flexibility, adaptability and open-mindedness are the route to successful inter-cultural communication. Understanding, embracing and addressing cross-cultural differences leads to the breaking of cultural barrier that results in better lines of communication, mutual trust and creative thinking.

Following these five points will allow for improved lines of communication, better cross cultural awareness and more successful cross cultural relationships.

Resources

Cross Cultural Needs

Cross-Cultural Strategies for Communicating

Riverplate is happy to support all of your trucking and fulfillment needs. Please think of us for your shrink wrap, warehousing, trucking, shipping and all your other order fulfillment needs. This leading Southern California Fulfillment and Trucking Facility serves all over the country and some international destinations. These are just a few of the locations your San Fernando Valley Fulfillment House, Riverplate serves:

Chatsworth, Bell Gardens, Malibu, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Adelanto, Antelope Valley, Beverly Hills, Beaumont, Northridge, Bellflower, Anaheim, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Palm Springs, Orange, Baldwin Park, Banning, Barstow, Lakewood, Loma Linda, Lucerne Valley, Monrovia, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Long Beach, Lompoc, Burbank, Coronado, Blythe, Covina, Costa Mesa, Corona, Compton, Commerce, Colton, Coachella, Claremont, Chula Vista, Chino, Cerritos, and many more.

For more information on communication follow these links:

Definition of Communication

Definition of Business Communication

Effective Business Communication

Effective Workplace Communication

History of Communication

How to Improve Communication Skills

Importance of Communication

Nuance Communication

Organizational Communication

Project Management Communication

What is Communication