Cross-Cultural Business Communication

Table of Contents

• 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Purpose of the Present Thesis
  • 1.2 Structure of the Present Thesis
• 2 Case Study
• 3 Culture and its Implications
  • 3.1 Definition of Culture
  • 3.2 Cross-Cultural Comparative Research Theories
  • 3.3 Cross-Cultural Comparative Research Studies
    • 3.3.1 Hofstede
    • 3.3.2 Trompenaar & Hampden-Turner
    • 3.3.3 Lane, DiStefano & Maznevski
    • 3.3.4 The GLOBE Research Project
  • 3.4 The Cultural Orientation Framework
• 4 Communication and its Implications
  • 4.1 Definition of Communication
  • 4.2 Concepts of Communication
  • 4.3 Levels of Communication
    • 4.3.1 Verbal Communication
    • 4.3.2 Non-verbal Communication
  • 4.4 Cultural Dimensions and Communication Patterns
• 5 Hypotheses
• 6 Research Methodology
  • 6.1 Research Approach
  • 6.2 Research Design
    • 6.2.1 Research Sample Selection
    • 6.2.2 Research Data Collection
  • 6.3 Strengths and Limitations of Research Methodology
• 7 Analysis
  • 7.1 Analysis 1 - Acculturation
    • 7.1.1 Theoretical Background
    • 7.1.2 Evaluation of Empirical Findings
    • 7.1.3 Conclusion
  • 7.2 Analysis 2 - Convergence in Communication
    • 7.2.1 Theoretical Background
    • 7.2.2 Evaluation of Empirical Findings
    • 7.2.3 Conclusion
  • 7.3 Analysis 3 - Intercultural Competence
    • 7.3.1 Theoretical Background
    • 7.3.2 Evaluation of Empirical Findings
    • 7.3.3 Conclusion
  • 7.4 Conclusion and Discussion of Analysis

Objectives and Key Themes

This thesis examines the convergence of cultures in international business and the role of intercultural competence in this process. It explores theoretical and practical aspects of culture, its differences, and its measurement, focusing on communication as a key area where cultural differences are evident. The study investigates whether the soft skills of intercultural competence contribute to the development of a universal business culture and communication style.

• Cultural convergence in international business environments.
• The impact of intercultural competence on communication and business interactions.
• The potential emergence of a universal business culture and communication style.
• Analysis of existing cross-cultural communication theories and research.
• Case study examination of a culturally diverse organization.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1: Introduction introduces the topic, highlighting the increasing globalization of business and the growing demand for intercultural competence. It outlines the thesis's objective and structure.

Chapter 2: Case Study presents a case study of the United Nations, illustrating a global workplace with cultural diversity and its associated challenges and influences.

Chapter 3: Culture and its Implications delves into the definition of culture, exploring relevant cross-cultural comparative research theories and studies (Hofstede, Trompenaar & Hampden-Turner, Lane, DiStefano & Maznevski, and the GLOBE project) and a cultural orientation framework.

Chapter 4: Communication and its Implications examines the definition and concepts of communication, including verbal and nonverbal aspects, and their relationship to cultural dimensions and communication patterns.

Chapter 5: Hypotheses presents the hypotheses that will guide the research.

Chapter 6: Research Methodology details the research approach, design, sample selection, data collection methods, and limitations.

Chapter 7: Analysis (Partial): This chapter presents analyses of acculturation, convergence in communication, and intercultural competence, including theoretical backgrounds and evaluations of empirical findings (excluding conclusions and final discussion).

Keywords

Intercultural competence, cross-cultural communication, cultural convergence, global business, universal interculture, international workforce, communication patterns, cultural dimensions, case study, United Nations.