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Cross-Cultural Communication |
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Interkulturelles Training
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In a globalized world cross-cultural skills have become one of the most important soft skills required by export-oriented companies. But what is “cross-cultural communication”?
Cross-cultural communication means much more than merely the skills of understanding and speaking a foreign language. It is the foundation, upon which we build relationships to people from other cultural backgrounds. Cross-cultural skills comprise the understanding of culture, mannerisms, mentalities and traditions as well as the capacity to actively employ this understanding. This foundation incorporates a package of other skills, such as interest and sincerity, flexibility and the willingness to adjust one’s own thought patterns as well as awareness and attentiveness.
Cross-cultural skills promote empathy for foreign behavioral patterns and mindsets, as well as perceptions and perspectives of other cultures. These skills facilitate interaction with others and foster the satisfaction of your clients.
Learn more about the cultural dimensions of international business and how your company can profit from our workshops. Call us at tel.: +49 421 560125 or send us an
e-mail to
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Below you will find some examples of blunders you should avoid.
Business relations:
- If you want to make a good impression on your Polish business partner by present him or her with a bouquet of flowers, make sure that you buy an even number of flowers. In Poland only even numbers are considered a sign of fortune.
- The British are very loyal. Once a decision has been made, it is irrevocable. Renegotiation or major changes are unacceptable.
- French business partners attach great importance to maintaining good personal contacts. It is essential to invest in time in cultivating the personal relationship.
- If you are too self-assertive and hastily start talking about business in the Arab world, you lose. It is important to talk about family, children etc. and let your host decide when it’s time to start talking shop.
Invitation to dinner:
Who has never heard the phrase “Finish your plate. Think of all the starving children in this world.” The turn of speech implies that you should always eat up. In some cultures this concept may hold true, in others, however, it could be just bad manners.
Did you know that
- ... in Japan an empty plate or bowl means that the host did not prepare enough food. It is good manners to always leave some food on your plate or in your bowl, in order to avoid humiliating your host.
- ... in France, Italy or the Orient leaving food on the plate is a sign that the food was not good.
- .... in Turkey as well as in the Arab world an empty tea cup is refilled immediately. Refilling your cup without asking is an act of courtesy. This way a shy guest need not ask.
These examples illustrate how gestures, behavior or actions can be interpreted and understood in different cultures.
We invite you to contact us and learn more about how our workshops and seminars can help you increase your company’s international success.
Call us at +49 421 560125 or send us an e-mail to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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