Building Intercultural Communication Skills in a Globalized World

As organizations expand into global markets, business communicators need to become aware of their own culture and how it differs from other cultures. Cultural awareness allows professionals to communicate successfully with other cultures and to navigate the intercultural challenges of a globalized business world. The first step in overcoming intercultural obstacles is understanding the trends that drive globalization.

Identify the trend illustrated by the following example.

A U$.$S$.$ retailer of high$-$tech products looks to open stores in Russia where there has been a surge in demand for smartphones and tablet computers.

Robust middle$-$class growth

Favorable trade agreements

Transportation advancements

Identify the trend illustrated by the following example.

The United States imports tariff$-$free goods from Mexico.

Declining domestic markets

Transportation advancements

Favorable trade agreements

When companies expand into global markets, they must be aware of the different cultural environments they are entering. A successful business model in one country may not be successful in another. U$.$S$.$ companies, such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depot, for example, have struggled in