Intercultural Business Communication
Contents
Page
Introduction 3
Cultural profile of Bangladesh 4
Cultural profile of United Kingdom 5
Business Scenario 7
Conclusion 10
References 11
Introduction
Everyone is shaped by their own culture whether they know it or not. Our very thoughts and actions are dependent on our culture. These thoughts and actions are so ingrained that we don't even think about them until we are confronted with another culture and another way of doing things. Upon first confronting a new culture a businessperson's first reaction is to think, "My way is best." A businessman or woman may experience a 'culture clash'. This can be avoided with some study that may lead to a realization that he/she was wrong and that others have a better way of doing things. Finally the businessperson may experience a new awakening to the problems in his/her culture. The following issues are explanation of the different value orientation of Bangladeshi and British that might affect cross-cultural communication. Cultural profiles of Bangladesh and United Kingdom are drawn upon the basis of the work of Geert Hofstede, Fons Trompenaars and Edward Hall to analysis the factors which are likely to affect communication between these two countries.
Cultural profile of Bangladesh
Bangladesh has a power distance index score of 80. Bangladesh is a hierarchical society. People are respected because of their age and position. Older people are naturally viewed as wise and are granted respect. Bangladeshis expect the most senior
Page
Introduction 3
Cultural profile of Bangladesh 4
Cultural profile of United Kingdom 5
Business Scenario 7
Conclusion 10
References 11
Introduction
Everyone is shaped by their own culture whether they know it or not. Our very thoughts and actions are dependent on our culture. These thoughts and actions are so ingrained that we don't even think about them until we are confronted with another culture and another way of doing things. Upon first confronting a new culture a businessperson's first reaction is to think, "My way is best." A businessman or woman may experience a 'culture clash'. This can be avoided with some study that may lead to a realization that he/she was wrong and that others have a better way of doing things. Finally the businessperson may experience a new awakening to the problems in his/her culture. The following issues are explanation of the different value orientation of Bangladeshi and British that might affect cross-cultural communication. Cultural profiles of Bangladesh and United Kingdom are drawn upon the basis of the work of Geert Hofstede, Fons Trompenaars and Edward Hall to analysis the factors which are likely to affect communication between these two countries.
Cultural profile of Bangladesh
Bangladesh has a power distance index score of 80. Bangladesh is a hierarchical society. People are respected because of their age and position. Older people are naturally viewed as wise and are granted respect. Bangladeshis expect the most senior