Report on Intercultural Communication: China and Australia

This report provides a comparative analysis of intercultural communication, focusing on the business cultures of China and Australia. It explores the significance of intercultural communication in today's globalized world, highlighting cultural differences in greetings, meeting etiquette, and communication styles. The report details the importance of non-verbal communication, linguistic issues, and the need to adapt to different cultural norms. It also includes specific examples of business practices and communication styles in both countries, such as the importance of punctuality, the use of small talk, and the preference for direct communication. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges faced by Chinese business leaders in the global market and the need to adopt communication styles of other countries to succeed. Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences to foster effective communication and build strong business relationships in the global arena.

Speaker’s note
The word Intercultural communication can be defined as the process of interacting
with people from diversified cultures and backgrounds. It can be done through negotiating or
mediating and exchanging of cultural differences via language, verbal and non verbal
gestures and others. For instance, In Australia people greet each other by shaking hands or
hugging, while in China, it is different. People there may bow or nod, in order to greet each
other, instead of shaking hands.
When talking about culture, China is diverse in nature, with diversified language and
ethnicity. There are fifty six ethnical groups in total, who have their own specific language. It
is influential to the country’s physical geography, as people share different culture. China is
diverse, in terms of people, culture, religion, administrative nature and many more. The land
and its geography define the people’s culture. Moreover, the working culture of Chinese
people is very interesting. People are expected to be well prepared at the meetings with power
point presentation materials in strictly black and white colors.
Small talks are considered to be highly important in the beginning of any meeting.
Before making any deal, it is important to establish a strong bond or relationship. Maintaining
calm and composure is seen as a vital component during the meeting hours as showing
emotion or causing embarrassment can have a negative impact for any business negotiation.
Chinese people usually enter a meeting room in a hierarchical order, that is, based on the
position they are working. One needs to be curious but calm at the same time. Punctuality is
very important as being late can be a serious offence in their business culture.
According to Christine Raynaud, the CEO of Morgan Phillips Greater China, the
business culture of Chinese people is very entrepreneurial and the change rate is higher. The

companies have more international scope and expansion. Employees have good leadership
qualities and are hard working. Organizational leaders are transparent in nature and
communicate with their employees quiet often. Corporate ethics and norms are clear with
good management and organizational structure.
Further she mentioned that the workers are committed to the community and
environment. Workplace policies and procedures are fair with good promotional
opportunities. She is happy with the company values and workplace benefits. The
environment of working is diversified with good social activities which value human
dimensions of the organization.
In this globalized world, English language is widely used, while communicating with
international people. Australian organizations have more international workers in comparison
with Chinese organizations, due to this major challenge. Moreover, Chinese people prefer
mixing with their own country people or those belonging to their community or culture,
which creates a cultural gap. Linguistic issues are considered to be a big issue, in case of
China.
Chinese business leaders often face issues when they compete with the global market.
Therefore, they need to adapt the communication styles of other countries, in order to succeed
in the global platform. These issues give rise to miscommunications which are to be avoided.
Thus, the use of non verbal communications and gestures should be minimal.
Each and every culture has a unique value system, context and style of
communication. Australian people are not much formal and thus their greetings are relaxed
and casual in nature. Aussies prefer using first names, even at initial meetings. The
appointments are easily scheduled as compared to China and it is considered to be a vital part
before any meeting. Generally, the meetings are relaxed in nature. Being punctual is highly

appreciated. Aussies arrive early so that they don’t have to keep anybody waiting. They
prefer small talks and more work. Their approach is direct and they do not like much
detailing.