Poor Communication
Communication can play many different roles from culture to culture. German culture and United States of America culture do not vary largely. Poor intercultural communication that significantly affected international commerce was the instance between the organization known as Walmart and its failure in Germany. Few communication devices were used by both parties involved in the poor communication related to the lack of success Walmart had in Germany. Had Walmart invested in theorists’ ideas they may had been more successful in dominating that territory with their super-store chain expansion goals. Preparation, local economic research, and cultural competence all play an important role in international commerce.
In order for international business relationships to develop and become successful, individuals involved should have cultural competence of the other culture or cultures involved in any transaction. Learning the opposing cultural patterns are essential in these transactions. The United States’ (U.S.) cultural patterns include an ever evolving cultural pattern. In the U.S., the occupants come from all over the world and have different backgrounds and belief systems. Cultures consist of variables that include social norms, decision making, ways of thinking, manners, language, education, clothing style, language, and much more. According to Su, the U.S. possesses a cultural pattern that is that in regard to language, they need subject-verb agreement and that the syntax and grammar is ambiguous and not literal, (1993). Communication plays a significant role in the U.S.’s culture.
The primary role that communication plays in the U.S. is that of a high context role. High context roles describe individuals identities are rooted within themselves and by their accomplishments. Germany’s culture consists of high context roles. Both countries share similar communication roles regarding contexts. Verbal messages of both cultures are explicit...