Intercultural Communication within the Tourism Industry

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Problem and Research Question

1.2 Research Objectives

1.3 Structure and Content

2. Culture and its Implications

2.1 Definition

2.2 Cultural Dimensions

2.2.1 Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s Cultural Dimensions

2.2.2 Hall’s Cultural Dimensions

2.2.3 Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions

2.2.4 Trompenaars’ Cultural Dimensions

2.3 Cultural Differences

3. Communication and its Implications

3.1 Definition

3.2 Levels of Communication

3.2.1 Verbal Communication

3.2.2 Para-verbal Communication

3.2.3 Non-verbal Communication

3.3 Intercultural Communication

3.3.1 History and Development

3.3.2 Relevance

3.3.3 Barriers to Intercultural Communication

3.3.4 Intercultural Contact and Culture Shock

4. Cultural and Communicational Problems in the Tourism Industry

4.1 Surveys on Cultural Challenges occurring

4.1.1 Empiric Approach

4.1.2 Interviewees target group

4.2 Research results concerning Intercultural Communication

4.2.1 Analysis of the Employee – Employee Level

4.2.2 Interviewees of Survey 1

4.2.2.1 Attitude towards Work Flow

4.2.2.1.1 Team

4.2.2.1.2 Time

4.2.2.1.3 Business meetings

4.2.2.1.4 Communication

4.2.2.2 Motivation and Aims

4.2.2.3 Misunderstandings

4.2.3 Analysis of the Host – Tourist / Guest Level

4.2.3.1 Interviewees of Survey 2

4.2.3.2 Tourist Behaviour

4.2.3.3 Travel Motivation

4.2.3.4 Social Contact for the Tourist

4.2.3.5 Misunderstandings

5. Preventing Cultural Discrepancies in a Tourism Enterprise

5.1 Aims and Necessity of Compensation

5.2 Methods

5.2.1 Intercultural Training

5.2.1.1 Culture-Assimilator

5.2.1.2 Culture Awareness Training / Diversity Training

5.2.1.3 Contrast Culture Training

5.2.3 Intercultural Team-Building

5.2.4 Language, Translation and Communication Training

5.2.5 Intercultural Reintegration

5.3 Critical Reflection

5.4 Target Check

6. Conclusion

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis aims to identify the specific communication challenges faced by tourists and tourism industry employees when interacting with foreign cultures. It investigates the underlying reasons for misunderstandings beyond simple language barriers, focusing on differing attitudes, behavioral norms, and perceptions, and evaluates how these challenges can be mitigated through appropriate training and preparation.

• Cultural dimensions and their influence on behavior.
• Barriers to effective intercultural communication.
• Empirical analysis of cross-cultural experiences in the tourism sector.
• Methods for preventing cultural discrepancies (Intercultural Training).
• Reintegration and preparation strategies for international staff and tourists.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Presents the problem of intercultural encounters in the growing tourism sector and defines the research objectives and the structure of the work.

2. Culture and its Implications: Explores various scientific definitions of culture and introduces key theoretical frameworks, specifically the cultural dimensions of Kluckhohn, Strodtbeck, Hall, Hofstede, and Trompenaars.

3. Communication and its Implications: Defines communication processes, analyzes levels of communication (verbal, para-verbal, non-verbal), and discusses the history, relevance, and barriers to intercultural communication.

4. Cultural and Communicational Problems in the Tourism Industry: Details empirical findings from two surveys analyzing cultural challenges for employees and tourists, specifically focusing on the UK and UAE.

5. Preventing Cultural Discrepancies in a Tourism Enterprise: Evaluates practical methods, such as intercultural training, team-building, and language preparation, to mitigate cultural misunderstandings in the tourism industry.

6. Conclusion: Summarizes the research findings, emphasizing that intercultural competence is a core capability for successful interaction in the globalized tourism environment.

Keywords

Intercultural Communication, Tourism Industry, Cultural Dimensions, Misunderstandings, Culture Shock, Cultural Competence, Intercultural Training, Host-Tourist Relationship, Non-verbal Communication, Language Barriers, Globalization, Cultural Awareness, Reintegration, Behavioral Patterns, Diversity Training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

This work examines the complexities of intercultural communication within the tourism industry, focusing on how cultural differences lead to misunderstandings between employees and tourists.

What are the primary thematic areas covered?

The study covers cultural theory, levels of communication (verbal, para-verbal, non-verbal), specific cultural challenges in tourism, and practical prevention methods like intercultural training.

What is the main research objective?

The primary goal is to identify the difficulties people face when dealing with foreign cultures and to determine how these challenges can be reduced through preparation and training.

Which scientific methodology is utilized?

The research combines a theoretical review of cultural frameworks with an empirical approach, utilizing two distinct surveys to analyze the perspectives of employees and tourists.

What topics are discussed in the main part?

The main part analyzes the impact of cultural dimensions on workplace and tourist behavior, provides empirical data from surveys in the UK and UAE, and details various intercultural training methods.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include Intercultural Communication, Tourism Industry, Culture Shock, Cultural Competence, and Intercultural Training.

Why are the UK and UAE used for detailed consideration?

These countries were selected because they represent distinct cultural environments with high levels of international tourism and multicultural staffing, making them ideal for highlighting diverse cultural impacts.

What does the "iceberg model" illustrate?

The iceberg model, discussed in chapter 2, illustrates that only 10% of culture (visible artifacts and behavior) is readily apparent, while 90% (values, norms, and attitudes) remains hidden and is often the root cause of misunderstandings.