Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Exhibits
- Preface
- 1 Global realities and management challenges
- 2 Developing global management skills
- 3 Culture, values, and worldviews
- 4 Inside the managerial mind: culture, cognition, and action
- 5 Inside the organizational mind: stakeholders, strategies, and decision making
- 6 Organizing frameworks: a comparative assessment
- 7 Communication across cultures
- 8 Leadership and global teams
- 9 Culture, work, and motivation
- 10 Negotiation and global partnerships
- 11 Managing in an imperfect world
- 12 Epilogue: the journey continues
- Appendix A Models of national cultures
- Appendix B OECD guidelines for global managers
- Index
- References
7 - Communication across cultures
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Exhibits
- Preface
- 1 Global realities and management challenges
- 2 Developing global management skills
- 3 Culture, values, and worldviews
- 4 Inside the managerial mind: culture, cognition, and action
- 5 Inside the organizational mind: stakeholders, strategies, and decision making
- 6 Organizing frameworks: a comparative assessment
- 7 Communication across cultures
- 8 Leadership and global teams
- 9 Culture, work, and motivation
- 10 Negotiation and global partnerships
- 11 Managing in an imperfect world
- 12 Epilogue: the journey continues
- Appendix A Models of national cultures
- Appendix B OECD guidelines for global managers
- Index
- References
Summary
A different language is not just a dictionary of words, sounds, and syntax. It is a different way of interpreting reality, refined by the generations that developed the language.
Federico Fellini Filmmaker and director, ItalyWhatever the culture, there's a tongue in our head. Some use it, some hold it, and some bite it. For the French it is a rapier, thrusting in attack; the English, using it defensively, mumble a vague and confusing reply; for Italians and Spaniards it is an instrument of eloquence; Finns and East Asians throw you with their constructive silence. Silence is a form of speech, so don't interrupt it.
Richard D. Lewis Communications consultant, UKNamasté is a common greeting used on the Indian subcontinent. It literally means “I bow to you,” and is used as an expression of deep respect in India and Nepal by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. In these cultures, the word (from the ancient Sanskrit) is spoken at the beginning of a conversation, accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. This silent gesture can also be performed wordlessly and carry the same meaning, as is often done at the close of a conversation. As such, namasté is a form of both verbal and non-verbal communication. When used appropriately, it signals parties to a conversation that the people involved likely understand something about prevailing social norms and values. They are one of “us,” and a bond is easily formed.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Management across CulturesChallenges and Strategies, pp. 199 - 240Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2010