Summary

             Have you ever not worked with someone who is not of your cultural background? Have you ever not been in a group of cross-cultural people? Have you ever not seen anyone who comes from a non-North American culture? With the globalization of markets through trade agreements (such as NAFTA, WTO, etc.), the booming technological advancement in communication and transportation, and the increasing intercultural diversity at the work force, your answers are most likely “yes” to all these questions. The predicted “global village” is not a myth anymore and this has certainly raised the awareness of cross-cultural communication like never before.

             In order to be capable to communicate cross-culturally, the following prospects are crucial. First, you need to identify the characteristics of culture by understanding that culture is learned, cultures are inherently logical, culture is the basis of self-identify and community, culture combines the visible and invisible, and culture is dynamic. Second, you need to recognize the perplexing dimensions of culture that incorporates aspects such as the high-context and low-context cultures, individualism and collectivism, formality, communication style, and time orientation. Third, you need to distinguish between prototypes and stereotypes, which commonly contain prejudices and generalization that can become the principal barriers of cross-cultural communication.

             However, in order to build a more productive, gratifying, and effective work life, the mere ability to communicate cross-culturally is insufficient. You must be able to achieve intercultural proficiency. This proficiency can be attained by avoiding ethnocentrism and bridging the gap through tolerance, saving face, and patience. Moreover, intercultural communication can be improved by adapting all nonverbal, oral, and written messages to your audiences. Ultimately, being alert and versatile in capitalizing intercultural diversity at the work force will guarantee to benefit your clients, colleagues and business organizations.