Understanding Cultural Differences in the Workplace

UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL
DIFFERENCES IS THE MOST
IMPORTANT COMPONENT FOR
SUCCESSFUL INTERACTION IN
THE WORK PLACE

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
Theories used to analyse culture.............................................................................................3
Impact of culture.....................................................................................................................4
Verbal and non verbal style of communication......................................................................5
CONCLUSION AND ACTION PLAN...........................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8
APPENDIX......................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
In this reflective essay I will be engaged in describing and assessing the importance of
intercultural business communication. In this report I will share my experiences about how the
intercultural business communication is the most important aspect in achieving goals and
objectives of organization. I will also provide (Significance of intercultural communication
skills. 2017) the result of intercultural proficiency test that will depict my strength in these type
of communication. The experiences which I will share in my report both these happened with me
in past few years. This will provide my own journey of becoming a better intercultural
communicator.
MAIN BODY
Theories used to analyse culture
There are various theories related to culture that can be used to analyse impact of culture in
workplace. This includes the following models:
Hofstede’s cultural dimension theory
As I have completed my graduation from India and now I am moving to United Kingdom
for post-graduation, it is very essential for me to understand the differences in culture. For
understanding it effectively I will make use of Hofstede’s cultural dimension theory. In business
it is commonly agreed that communication is one of the primary concerns. So, for professionals
who work internationally; people who interact daily with other people from different countries
within their company or with other companies abroad; Hofstede's model gives insights into other
cultures. In fact, cross-cultural communication requires being aware of cultural differences
because what may be considered perfectly acceptable and natural in one country, can be
confusing or even offensive in another. (Connor, Ene and Traversa, 2016) I need to understand
the differences in values at work place in India and in United Kingdom, as this analysis will help
me in settling down better in United Kingdom. I also must have engaged in understanding the
work culture, that is being followed in the other state. This will support me in making better
friends and also I will be able to work as better co-worker.
As I am from India, I must be aware about the importance of cross-culture communication,
Hofstede’s model gives insights into the culture of different country. I have analysed that
professionals who come from different country interact daily with people from different country
within their company. I must also have the proper knowledge that the communication at