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Business Travel - Understanding Other Cultures

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For great leaders, managers, and an exceptional professionals.

Business Travel - Understanding Other Cultures

Alice Tutunjian

Conducting business in a global environment has become very commonplace. Often employees are required to travel to other countries for varying durations. While English is one of the top three languages spoken in the world, you cannot simply rely on verbal communication skills alone to ensure a successful trip.

Having insight about another culture can make the business trip more pleasant and successful if you are aware of the host country’s business etiquette, practices, cultural norms and customs.

Please see links below to resources on understanding other cultures- from basic essential facts on the country to customs and etiquettes and beyond.

  1. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/country-profiles.html
  2. http://businesstravel.about.com/od/resources/a/Travel-Expert-Cultural-Gaps.htm
  3. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/culture-business-travelers-southeast-asia-39857.html

Outside of conducting research and talking to employees who have experience in those countries, there are other means of learning about other cultures. If you have some time before a trip try some of these suggestions below. Not only will they benefit your learning but also provide you with topics for conversations with your host country’s residents.

Understanding through Cinema

Movies are great in not only exposing you to the language, but also to cultural nuances, customs, mannerisms, accepted attitudes, and many other norms.  Caveat: watching only one movie will not necessarily expose you to everything about a culture. Try a variety of movies, with different themes, and different periods to gain exposure. (Note: you can find FREE foreign language movies on YouTube, Hulu.com or at your local library). Try this website for suggestions: http://www.teachwithmovies.org/world-history-other-cultures-subject-list.htm

Understanding through Languages

When visiting a host country, attempt to learn at a minimum the basics (E.g. Please, thank you, you are welcome, pleasure meeting you, etc.). You will be surprised at how far a few phrases will go, and how much respect you will gain from others. People appreciate the effort you make in trying to speak to them in their own language.   Try this website for learning a new language: http://www.openculture.com/freelanguagelessons

Understanding through Literature

Another great source of cultural exposure is through literature. Literature is viewed as a reflection of culture and society.  Caveat: Not all literature makes for a good representation of a society/culture. If you are not sure which books to read, do some research on the Internet or ask a local librarian, or colleague/friend/relative from that country for recommendations.

categories Careers
tags Skills Workshop, Workplace Culture