Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
“With the increasing globalization of the marketplace, the United States is becoming more multicultural and active in international business than it previously has been.” DeVoss, Jaskin, and Hayden (2002, p. 2). For this reason businesses have had to become more focused on intercultural communication between business associates. Being respectful and patient when it comes to communicating across cultural lines is very important to retaining quality business relations. One wrong statement or move could make or break an important business relationship.
Description of Communication Issue
A successful Japanese businessman is interviewing possible candidates to fill a position within his Tokyo based electronics company and has invited an American candidate to a business dinner in Tokyo. The Japanese man expects to interview the American over dinner and discuss the possibilities of employment of the American. The success of this interview will decide the future of the American in this company.
The candidate has never been outside Texas and is obviously extremely nervous about meeting and impressing his possible new employer. He has very little experience when it comes to working with people from other cultures but is willing to do whatever it takes to get this position. The American packs his bags and gets on a plane headed for Tokyo hoping that everything will go well because this would mean a huge break for him in his career.
The American’s plane lands in Tokyo an hour late and immediately he thinks his chances for getting this position are slim. He quickly finds a taxi and makes his way to the restaurant. The man rushes into the door of the restaurant and the waiter takes him to his table. The Japanese man stands and the American automatically reaches out to shake the man’s hand. He shakes the American’s hand and the American immediately sits down in the...