| Culture is becoming increasingly important in the business realm as companies conduct business across international borders and with diverse cultural groups. Now, communication in business is crucial when managers try to understand foreign opinions and customs when negotiating, marketing, or selling. In this age of global networking and international business relations, effective communication and cognizance of the role of culture in business make success in business transactions and negotiations more likely, as well as improving the quality of inter-company relations between managers and employees. Cultural understanding and communicative effectiveness can both be increased through cross-cultural training. Using an anthropological approach, this thesis explores common areas of cultural misunderstanding in business, and demonstrates the importance of comprehensive cross-cultural training and knowledge. Problems and challenges facing expatriates when traveling on international assignment are discussed. A proposal for a cultural training manual and curriculum, CultureshockCA , is presented. |
