Cultural Communications

This document explores the cultural communication differences in various countries and cultures. It discusses power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, long-term or short-term orientation, and indulgence vs. restraint. The document also includes a presentation on persuasion and negotiation skills.

Running head: CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
Table of Contents
Part-A: Cultural Communication Differences.................................................................................2
Task 1- Analysis of Cultural approaches.....................................................................................2
-South Asian culture................................................................................................................2
Task 2- Presentation..................................................................................................................18
Part-B: Persuasion and Negotiation Skills.....................................................................................18
Task 3- Persuasion Skills...........................................................................................................18
Task 4- Negotiation Skills.........................................................................................................19
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................20

2CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
Part-A: Cultural Communication Differences
Task 1- Analysis of Cultural approaches
-South Asian culture
Power distance
Countries/Cultures
Explanation Example:
India Power distance in South Asian culture is very
much on the higher degree. Usually, the
employees in the lower strata accept unequal
distribution of power. The hierarches are
clearly established and the people usually
develop a degree of respect towards the
authoritative figures.77 is the score of India in
the Hofstede’s index.
1. In India the
hierarchy normally
announces the
decisions that are
made
2. There is more
preference given to
formal
communication in
cases of decision
making
China China scores 80 concerning power index. This
means that in China there is a power gap that
exists in organizational or social hierarchies.
1. Emails addressed
to the higher
authorities have to be

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This means employees usually listen to their
superiors while in the work environment.
addressed by sir or
similar rankings
2. Subordinates
should always refer
to the superior as sir
in all other forms of
communications as
well.
Sweden Sweden has a European culture where the
power distance factor is very low. This means
that there is a factor of equality that works even
within the hierarchical setup. Sweden scores 31
in the power distance index. There is a general
cooperative setup in the workplace.
1. emails are written
at times in informal
tone addressing even
higher ranked
individuals by their
names
2. Meetings are very
important before any
decision in made.
Fiji Fiji scores 78 in terms of power distance. This
means that in the country there is much greater
emphasis on the concentration of power in the
management and hierarchy.
1. The
communication with
the higher managers
can only take place in
formal tone.

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2. Managers usually
preside over
meetings..
New Zealand New Zealand only scores a low 22 in the index.
This means that there is more equality of power
in New Zealand. Businesses in New Zealand
tend to be more
1. Managers send
emails to the staffs to
know their views.
2. More meetings
take place between
staffs and managers.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Countries/Cultures
Explanation Example:
India Uncertainty avoidance is low in India. This
means that there is more tolerance for
unexpected events and unprofessional
behaviour at times. India scores low at 40 in
uncertainty avoidance as per the index. In the
workplace this means that the mistakes of the
1. Emails in India do
not require to be sent
in cases of minor
discrepancies in work
and are used in more
problematic cases.

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juniors are mostly accepted till a certain point. 2. Verbal
communication is
used to create
effective
relationships in
businesses.
China Like India, China also has low uncertainty
avoidance. The score of China in the
Hofstede’s index is 30. There is better tolerance
for unexpected circumstances or below par
performance at workplaces.
1. China bases the
communication on
more meetings and
feedbacks
2. There is a
cooperative culture
hence more
preference is given to
direct
communication.

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Sweden Sweden scores 29 in regards to uncertainty
avoidance. The country is more tolerant of the
mistakes that are committed by the various
organizational members. Unexpected
circumstances are met with collaborative
approaches to solve the major issues.
1. There is more
preference given to
meetings and
discussions.
2. Messaging services
are used to
communicate between
all employees across
all levels.
Fiji Fiji scores 48 in terms of uncertainty
avoidance. This means that there is more room
for unwarranted outcomes in the Fiji society.
The society of Fiji is very much inclined
towards the pacific island culture. Companies
sometimes treat mismanagement in a tolerant
manner, while at the other times they are
peanalized.
1. At times letters are
given preference to
communicate certain
values.
2. There is more usage
of emails.
New Zealand A medium score of 49 is scored in terms of
uncertainty avoidance. There is not much
preference of any of the uncertainty avoidance
aspects. The New Zealand business culture is
dominated by the Paheka and the Maori
1. emails are not sent
in case of minor
performance errors.
2. The culture is of
understanding where

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cultures. The culture gives more importance to
community meetings and taking important
decisions.
people go wrong
hence feedback
sessions are given
importance.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Countries/Cultures
Explanation Example:
India The scores for individualism in India is 14.
There is more emphasis on collectivism. The
work functions at offices are treated to be
collective responsibility.
1. People are expected
to work in teams in
India. Emails are sent
to all team members
concerning tasks.
2. Individuals are
communicated with
directly.
China The score for individualism for China is 20.
Hence, it is clear that there is more preference
1. Group performance
is favoured in China

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given to collective performances. rather than individual
performance.
2. Chinese prefer group
work and individuals
are not appreciated if
they do not collaborate
effectively with their
groups.
Sweden Sweden ranks high in individualism. The
index score of Sweden is 71. This means that
there is more preference given to the
individual and there is close relationship only
between individuals and their immediate
family members. Business conversations are
preferred to be completely formal in nature.
1. More preference is
given to the
development of the
individual.
2. The society is
loosely-knit and a self-
care system is
prevalent.
Fiji Fiji has very low score of 14 in the index
score as per the Hofstede’s model. This
means that collectivism is given for more
importance than individualism. Businesses
tend to be collective and coordinated affairs.
1. Group emails are
sent in case of any
issues.
2. There is more focus
on group feedback

9CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
sessions.
New Zealand New Zealand scores high with 79 with
regards to individualism. There is a standard
self-image that cultivated among the people.
The New Zealand business culture is
dominated by the Paheka and the Maori
cultures. Although there is a community
sense, each of the members are to take care of
their individual responsibilities diligently.
1. Emails are sent to
each individuals
separately after
achievements.
2. Letters are sent to
individuals.
Masculinity vs. Femininity
Countries/Cultures
Explanation Example:
India India has a strong masculine oriented culture.
The scores for India are 56. This means that
there is room for heroism in the business.
People normally strive to provide effective
performances at workplaces and guide others
to gain favourable opinions among peers and
seniors.
1. Achievements are
normally
communicated through
emails and sent through
communicated to the
entire

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2. People are more
inclined towards being
appreciated for work.
China In China, the focus is more towards
masculinity with a score of 66. Chinese
culture appreciates achievements. Businesses
focus greatly on enhancing the performances
of individuals.
1. The communication
mediums are direct
when giving
instructions to instil
strong performance
motives.
2. All individuals are
expected to harbour
good abilities that can
be appreciated.
Sweden Sweden has a very low masculinity score of
5. This means that the culture is feminine,
focused on caring, modesty and cooperation.
1. Achievements are
not very much
appreciated and the
focus is on appreciating
the intentions.
2. There is more
emphasis on
cooperation, welfare,

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helping others, etc.
Fiji Fiji scores a little more but still only 46 in
terms of masculinity. The culture of equality
and cooperation is responsible for the same.
1. In Fiji society the
focus is more on the
cooperatives roles.
2. A general idea of
equality of men and
women is present with
less stress on gender
roles.
New Zealand New Zealand scores a high of 58 in terms of
masculinity. This means that there is more
emphasis on accolades and the ‘winner’
mentality.
1. The Maori culture of
New Zealand provides
much emphasis on
heroic victories.
2. There is a string
emphasis on being
capable of
performance.
Long-term or Short-term orientation
Explanation Example:

12CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
Countries/Cultures
India India is a short-term oriented culture. It
scores only 51, which means that a slight
balance is present between short term and
long term orientation. Hence there is
difference of power between the higher
ranked and the lower ranked individuals.
1. There is more
emphasis on giving
commemorative letters
on the completion of a
period of time in an
organization.
2. Emails and
messaging services are
being used increasingly
across the
organizations.
China China is a traditional society with a low score
of 24. This signifies that the businesses are
more inclined towards short term orientation.
1. Email is the
preferred mode of
communication during
office issues
2. Change is considered
to be only applicable to
adversity.
Sweden Sweden has a culture of long term orientation 1. Change is considered

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with a score of 53. The country is more prone
to being adaptive.
to be a necessity.
2. Constant
development of work
processes is considered
very important.
Fiji There is no long term and short term data
available for Fiji.
1. Values are more
concerned with the
development of a
cooperative
environment.
2. Fiji has a tribal
oriented culture.
New Zealand New Zealand has a low score of 33 as per the
dimension of long term orientation is
concerned. In this regards the country is very
much traditionalistic. The country’s Maori
heritage makes it also consider the business
situations with a traditional outlook.
1. More emphasis is
given to traditional
communication
mediums. Meetings are
held and frequent
emails are shared
between the people.
2. The emails are very
well structured to ficus
on the hierarchical

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positions of the people.
Indulgence vs. Restraint
Countries/Cultures
Explanation Example:
India India has very low score with regards to
indulgence. The score is 26.
1. Indian culture is not
very much inclined
towards celebrating of
desires.
2. Indians generally
practice restraint in
contrast to indulgence.
China China has a culture that is not inclined towards
indulgence. The factor that works more in
China is restraint with only a score of 24.
1. China does not
entertain the idea of
indulgence. Formal
communication
language is thus

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preferred.
2. Employees in China
are more focused
towards spending
towards family
welfare. They are
more influenced by
posters.
Sweden With a 78 score in the index Sweden has a
culture greatly focused towards indulgence.
This means that more importance is given
towards the enjoyment of pleasure.
1. Swedish are given
great freedom to enjoy
life from the
beginning. In this
regards informal
communication is
preferred more.
2. Importance is given
much to the pleasure
time. The online
communication modes
are important.

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Fiji The data for indulgence is not found for Fiji.
However the focus is more on traditional
festivities and preserving the culture.
New Zealand In this case New Zealand exhibits a much
higher score of 75. This means that there is a
tradition of indulgence.
1. Leisure time is
important for New
Zealanders.
2. There is a tradition
of spending money to
satisfy the various
needs of life.
Task 2- Presentation
(Provided in the Powerpoint attachment)
Part-B: Persuasion and Negotiation Skills
Task 3- Persuasion Skills
Persuasion skills become very important in case of business communications. Persuasion
skills can help to persuade people towards the attainment of certain important goals and
objectives. There are three important persuasion skills that can be utilized.

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-Being well prepared: Being well prepared helps to create a good idea of what to say and what
not to say. For example- one can create a list of the exact things that need to be focused on I a
negotiation process. The speaker becomes a credible character for the target audiences to be be
effectively influenced. This can be done through face to face communication.
-Being a good listener: Being a good listener helps to understand the point of views of all the
essential stakeholders in any negotiation process. It helps to understand emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is utilized in this case to understand the emotional needs of the audience.
Hence the message is created in accordance of the needs of the audiences that need to be
addressed. This helps to establish a proper communicational level between the speaker and the
audience (Swann & Bosson, 2016). This can be done through written communication.
Choosing appropriate negotiation style- Choosing appropriate styles help to establish a strong
framework for communication. This creates coming to equal terms with the others much easier
and effective. People can be persuaded in more effective ways. This can be utilized through
online communication.
Task 4- Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is important to come to level terms with the clients, customers or the
business partners. Hence, it important to use this skill in all environments of business
communication. Some important negotiation skills.
Building rapport- This is required to be in good terms with the parties of negotiation. This means
that an effective environment for managing negotiations can be created. For example- the
negotiator can host dinners. The negotiator wants to win and is even harsh in his/her demands.
One communication medium that is utilized is direct communication.

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Choosing appropriate style- Choosing appropriate style becomes important as it helps to provide
a better message (Coffelt, Baker & Corey, 2016). For example- some negotiations are more
effective through meetings others require more informal places like hotels or restaurants. The
focus is always towards prioritizing the needs of the audience. One important mode of
communication that can be used is conference.
Identifying the other party’s need- The analyst negotiation skills indirectly wants to be on a
winning situation with regards to the negotiation process. The needs of the other party become
important as they are the principle aspects guiding the decision making. For example- the exact
profit motives of the other party needs to be known. For this type of negotiation online
communication is more effective as the presentation of values become very important.
Bibliography
Al-Sarayrah, S., Tarhini, A., Obeidat, B. Y., Al-Salti, Z., &Kattoua, T. (2016). The effect of
culture on strategic human resource management practices: A theoretical
perspective. International Journal of Business Management and Economic
Research, 7(4), 704-716.
Coffelt, T. A., Baker, M. J., & Corey, R. C. (2016). Business communication practices from
employers’ perspectives. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 79(3),
300-316.
Country Comparison - Hofstede Insights. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.hofstede-
insights.com/country-comparison/china,fiji,india,new-zealand/

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Swann, W. B., &Bosson, J. K. (2016). Identity negotiation in social interaction. Interpersonal
and Intrapersonal Expectancies, 96.