Cross Cultural Gift Giving Etiquette

Within the interdependent, global and multi-cultural marketplace of the 21st century, cross cultural differences in the approaches to and practices of business people across the world are important to learn.

A lack of cross cultural understanding can lead to misunderstandings which may result in offense. Cross cultural awareness and an understanding of foreign etiquette is important for today's globe trotting business person.

One area of importance in cross cultural awareness is in the different gift giving etiquettes of the world. Understanding gift giving and the etiquette surrounding it can help international business people cement better relationships with foreign colleagues, clients or customers.

Cross cultural gift giving etiquette involves considering the following points:

. Who is receiving the gift? Is it a person or a group? What is the status of the receiver(s)?

. What types of gifts are acceptable or unacceptable?

. What is the protocol associated with gift giving and receiving?

. Should gifts be reciprocated?

In many countries such as in North America or the UK, gift giving is rare in the business world. In fact, it may carry negative connotations as gift giving could be construed as bribery. However, in many other countries, gift giving and its etiquette have a central place in business practices.

In order to highlight some of the different aspects of cross cultural gift giving etiquette a few examples shall be presented.

Gift Giving Etiquette in China

. It is the proper etiquette for gifts to be exchanged for celebrations, as thanks for assistance and even as a sweetener for future favours.

. It is however important not to give gifts in the absence of a good reason or a witness.

. When the Chinese want to buy gifts it is not uncommon for them to ask what you would like.

. It would be wise to demonstrate an appreciation of Chinese culture by asking for items such as ink paintings or tea.

. Business gifts are always reciprocated. Not to do so is bad etiquette.

. When giving gifts do not give cash.

. Do not be too frugal with your choice of gift otherwise you will be seen as an 'iron rooster', i.e. getting a good gift out of you is like getting a feather out of an iron rooster.

. Depending on the item, avoid giving one of something. Chinese philosophy stresses harmony and balance, so give in pairs.

Gift Giving Etiquette in Japan

. Gift-giving is a central part of Japanese business etiquette.

. Bring a range of gifts for your trip so if you are presented with a gift you will be able to reciprocate.

. The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on the act of gift-giving not the gift itself.

. Expensive gifts are common.

. The best time to present a gift is at the end of your visit.

. A gift for an individual should be given in private.

. If you are presenting a gift to a group of people have them all present.

. The correct etiquette is to present/receive gifts with both hands.

. Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before accepting.

. Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky. Give in pairs if possible.

Gift Giving Etiquette in Saudi Arabia

. Gifts should only be given to the most intimate of friends.

. Gifts should be of the highest quality.

. Never buy gold or silk as a present for men.

. Silver is acceptable.

. Always give/receive gifts with the right hand.

. Saudis enjoy wearing scent - itr. The most popular is oud which can cost as much as £1000 an ounce.

. It is not bad etiquette to open gifts when received.

The above are a few of many examples of cross cultural differences in gift giving etiquette. It is advisable to try and ascertain some facts about the gift giving etiquette of any country you plan to visit on business. By doing so, you maximise the potential of your cross cultural encounter.

Cross cultural sensitivity

Cross cultural sensitivity is the quality of being aware and accepting of other cultures. This is important because what seems acceptable in some countries can be rude or derogatory in others.

A person who is culturally sensitive is aware that there could be differences between their culture and another person’s, and that these differences could affect their relationship and the way they communicate with each other. A culturally sensitive person would understand other countries’ traditions and ways of life, or attempt to learn and apply new understandings. Importantly, culturally sensitive people attempt to be free from prejudices and preconceptions about other cultures.

Contents

1.  Importance
2.  Being cross-culturally sensitive
3.  Examples
4.  Multiculturalism
5.  See also
6.  References

Importance

Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.

In some countries, photography of government buildings or monuments is a criminal offence

Cross cultural sensitivity is seen as an essential skill in today's world. Many employers see it as an essential skill. Cross cultural awareness is important when dealing in international relations or trade. It can mean the difference between a brand succeeding or failing in international markets.

Cross cultural sensitivity is an important skill in any profession that requires interpersonal communication. People in these professions need to be aware of the cultural factors that may affect others.

It is important as a traveller as well, knowing what is acceptable and what is not is a vital skill. When travelling to different countries in which one is unfamiliar it is always best to do research prior to travelling. This can help prevent the embarrassment of yourself and those around you.

Being cross-culturally sensitive

Being cross-culturally sensitive is important, however, it is not as easily done as it is said. Having cross-cultural competence requires research to gain a better understanding and an informed view of the culture. Working with people of different cultures and ethnic groups helps people become cross-culturally aware.

Many travel guides contain information about the culture and traditions of the country covered. This can help you gain a better understanding of how to behave during your stay in that country. Examples

Examples showing the importance of Cross Cultural Sensitivity and awareness are:

An American Company that manufactures golf balls packaged the balls in packs of four. They were successful and began selling internationally. However they were not so successful in Japan, where the number four holds the meaning of death.

In 2002 Unity College, Murray Bridge began a Student Exchange Program with Chuo University Suginami High School in Tokyo, Japan. This program has been extremely successful due to the both school's focus on Cross Cultural Awareness. This type of program is one of the many examples of Cross Cultural Awareness having a large positive effect on any group of people.

Cross Cultural Sensitivity is illustrated in the 1992 Comic Series Harvey & Norma by Jason Guist. In the now infamous edition, Harvey and Norma's World Travels, Harvey finds himself incarcerated after climbing atop a golden statue of Buddha. It was Harvey's lack of Cross Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness that caused this clear act of degradation of something holy. This act was repeated on the poster for the movie Hollywood Buddha. This caused great protest in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Burma where the poster was shown.

Multiculturalism

The term multiculturalism generally refers to an applied ideology of racial, cultural and ethnic diversity within the demographics of a specified place, usually at the scale of an organization such as a school, business, neighborhood, city or nation.

Due to immigration (including increased acceptance of refugees), countries are increasingly becoming multi-cultural societies. Foreigners bring trade that can be conducive to increased economic activity, but it can also lead to social pressure and stressors from changes in population dynamics.

Cross-Cultural Communication with Business Management

Cross-cultural Communication with Business Management is a three-year degree programme designed for EU and International students who are particularly interested in developing expertise in the two interrelated areas of cross-cultural communication and business management, and in aspects of translation studies. It is taught jointly by the Norwich Business School and by the School of Language and Communication Studies.

In a globalised world where economies are interdependent, cross-cultural awareness is crucial. International businesses generally have a highly diverse workforce in terms of nationality and cultural background and face challenges from differences in language, values, belief systems, business ethics, business practices, behaviour, etiquette, and expectations. The enlargement of the EU and the world economy are not only creating new markets but also generating an awareness of a range of issues relating to language mediation in international business. For EU or International students, studying foundation Business Management in the context of a British university is the best way to develop insights into business practices in a different culture. On the other hand, cross-cultural work on translation and language issues will develop your sensitivity to cross-cultural transfer. As a graduate of this programme, you will be able to operate more effectively in international business because of your enhanced awareness of cross-cultural communication issues.

Two working languages are required to apply for this degree: English as a foreign language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent with 6 in all categories) and your own native language.

The programme structure in Business Management is designed to provide the core disciplines of business and management. The design of the Business Management strand of the degree reflects a business management (BSc) rather than a business studies (BA) approach: the nature, tasks and context of the organisational management process are the chief focus. Modern principles of business management are introduced throughout the degree programme. Students devote approximately one third of their time to the study of Business Management in the Norwich Business School.

The language issues and translation issues modules make up the remaining two thirds of the degree. These modules deal with issues associated with globalisation and the rapid development of communication and communication media, and enable students to explore materials from a linguistic, cultural and cross-cultural perspective. Their concerns are both theoretical and practical, and work in each entails hands-on sensitisation to a range of questions relating to cross-cultural communication today. A variety of materials are considered, to uncover and investigate key aspects involved, for example, in the transposition and translation of a range of text types into other media and/or other languages across different genres (e.g. multilingual publications, multilingual packaging, web texts, film subtitles). While the modules consider issues across a range of languages, your own project work relates to your own language pair. Progression over three years is ensured by the shift from introductory modules in the first year, to greater specialisation, sophistication of approach and more choice in subsequent years.

The programme is flexible and comprises a range of modules, particularly in years two and three. There are 20 credits free choice in years two and three which enable students to take further Business Management modules or language or translation issues modules.

Distinctive Features

New Module for 2011-12: Intercultural Communication in Practice - Available in your 2nd or 3rd Year of Study

This module explores how students can become more effective communicators in international settings, by developing their intercultural competence. It is relevant to those wishing to pursue careers in international management and multilingual business. Invited speakers will introduce students to how intercultural communication operates in specific government and business organisations.

The optional translation work experience module provides you with the opportunity to experience professional translation first-hand. You will be taught alongside UK students, thus constantly enhancing your linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills. You will have the option of extending or consolidating your proficiency in another language from the wide range offered by the School to further broaden your access to other cultures.

Structure

Year 1

The first year is made up mostly of compulsory modules. In the Norwich Business School, these modules are: Introduction to Business; Developing Business Skills; and Introduction to Organisational Behaviour. The first year programme in LCS consists of a Study, Research and Communication Skills introductory module. The first year is completed by a module in the School of Political, Social and International Relations on globalisation and one module chosen from a range covering media, communication and language.

Year 2

The second year of study comprises two core modules in Business Management - Principles of Marketing and Human Resource Management. These modules are complemented by a choice of three 20-credit modules in LCS relating to cross-cultural communication and discourse and the choice of one module of a subsidiary language. Our range of Subsidiary languages is currently as follows: British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Many of these can be studied for a second year (to intermediate level, i.e. A level equivalent); there are also one-year and two-year post-A level subsidiary courses in some languages. A further free choice of one module gives students the opportunity to further their expertise in Business Management or Cross-cultural communication, or to continue the study of the subsidiary language chosen in the first semester. Students may also choose a module from the range offered across the university.

Year 3

The third year comprises two modules in Business Management, including - Strategic Management and a choice of one other. These two modules are complemented by a choice of 4 modules relating to cross-cultural communication and translation and multicultural issues. Modules taken at level 2 in year two cannot be repeated at level 3 in year three. There are also 20 credits of free choice in year three.

Resources

The James Platt Language Centre houses a language laboratory, a viewing and editing room, a digitised interpreting suite for advanced language training and a large, multimedia self-access resources room with up-to-date computers linked to the internet, and translation software.

Events

Public Lecture Series: This public lecture series involves speakers from the UK, France, Spain and elsewhere and enables our students, local secondary school students and teachers, and the public, to have access to outside input into debates about language, translation and culture. More information on these can be found on our news and events website.

Employment prospects

The enlargement of the EU and the world economy are not only creating new markets but also generating an awareness of a range of issues relating to language mediation in international business. The business world has been learning its lessons very fast. This is making cross-cultural communication and translation an up-and-coming topic/discipline, likely to attract increasing numbers of applicants. Employers themselves are looking not just for business or mediation skills, but for an awareness of wider issues involved in business and in the process of mediation, and a concomitant ability to adapt to fast-paced change.

The acquisition of knowledge and understanding, skills and aptitudes required for a career in international business will enhance employability both in the UK and internationally for students on this programme. Students will be able to pursue careers in the areas of communication and intercultural consultancy in multinational and international business, in particular in the fields of intercultural training, human resource management, communication and marketing. Careers in government overseas agencies and organisations for international cooperation, the voluntary sector, local government community initiatives and business consultancies, as well as in the communication and media industries will also be open to students on this degree.

cross-cultural communication in sciences

Module Descriptions

Language :

Language & Cross-Cultural Communication

This module is an introduction to the study of language and communication from a cross-cultural perspective. It examines how people from different cultures behave similarly or differently in a range of communicative contexts. Topics covered include the notion of culture, learning culture through language, cross-cultural communication in business settings, cross-cultural communication in educational contexts, and diversity at work. This core module provides a backdrop to the field of language and cross-cultural communication in a variety of other academic and professional fields.

Professional Communication Skills

This module aims to develop both an understanding of the essentials of successful and effective professional communication, and practical skills in professional communication, in cross-cultural contexts. This module will also give students an opportunity to reflect on the wide range of topics/issues that have been covered in other modules including language and communication and specialism modules. It will be especially useful to students with little or no experience of professional communication in English-speaking environments.

Sociolinguistics

This module explores different approaches to the study of the relationship between language and society. It introduces you to key concepts and topics relevant to the study of language use in different societies, drawing on theory and practice from the field of Sociolinguistics. The people we are, and the communities and societies we inhabit, shape and are themselves shaped by our use of language. Broadly, the module is concerned with how people as members of social groups use language and what they use it for. The class considers research that focuses on language in interaction, and ways that sociolinguists have approached the study of this linguistic interaction.

The Social Psychology of Communication

Social Psychology is concerned with individuals as social beings. Much of our social behaviour, and the relationship between our social environment and individual self, involves communication. This module introduces and explores how cross-cultural, social, situational and structural factors influence communication of various kinds. Topics and issues concerned with attitudinal, educational, motivational and cognitive aspects of communication will be explored using social psychological models and frameworks such as Intercultural Communicative Competence, Social Identity Theory and Communication Accommodation Theory.

English in the World: Global and cross-cultural issues surrounding English as a ‘Lingua Franca’

This module examines the current ‘lingua franca’ status of the English language. The implications of this status are wide-ranging and creating major changes in the way in which the language is used, taught, learned, conceptualised and assessed. As non-native speakers now outnumber native speakers of English by a ratio of 3:1, we face a scenario where native speakers no longer unproblematically lay claim to sociolinguistic and cultural acceptability and normativity. What will this mean for international communication in general? How will such a state of affairs feed into current issues in cross-cultural communication and applied linguistics? With norms and standards in a state of flux, what kinds of Englishes are emerging and what will this mean for our understanding of ‘English’? These questions, and others, will be covered in this module.

Culture, Interculturality and Identity

This module will provide an overview of culture, interculturality and identity. Lectures will be underpinned by the idea that culture, interculturality and identity are ubiquitous constructs that are integrally tied to the various contextual instantiations that represent our lives. This includes, but is not limited to, speaking in a foreign language, discussing politics amongst friends, eating, grooming, shopping, and dinner time conversations. A number of concepts will be introduced to help students critically evaluate the Hofestedian idea that national or regional groupings are accurate representations of any given society.

Research Portfolio As part of the programme you are required to complete three research files (two written files and one oral presentation). The aim of the files is consistent with the overall aim of the programme which is to develop your knowledge of cross-cultural communicative competence for your chosen specialism. In many ways the research files are the most important pieces of work you are required to do in order to obtain the MA. The Research Files also constitute the largest piece of independent work you will do during the MA programme.

Brief  Description of  Media Modules:

Communication and Culture: Global Media

We live in a globalised world that is undergoing rapid transformation on social, cultural, political and economic levels. Global media are increasingly becoming major agents of these changes. Whether it be news channels such as CNN, BBC World and Al-Jazeera that are beamed into our living rooms via satellite or entertainment media like reality television (e.g. Big Brother and The Apprentice), soap operas and series like Desperate Housewives and Friends being watched from Newcastle to Nairobi - global media are changing the way we conduct politics, understand our place in society and make sense of the world around us. But what are the implications of global media for societies around the world? What are their influences on global power relations? Who owns these media and how are the economics of the global media industry influencing content? Whose voices are heard over these global networks and who remain silent? How are different regions of the world portrayed? What role do global news and communication play in geopolitical conflict, war and terrorism? Will we all eventually become cultural clones of Hollywood?

Perhaps today more than ever before a knowledge of global media and their impact on society, culture and power relations is vital for understanding how our world is changing around us and how we should find our place in it. This module will introduce you to some of the main themes, issues and debates in this area. The aim of the module is to enable you to ask critical questions about global media and their impact and to enhance your understanding of how global media is shaping your own world view. It will be expected of you to read widely and come prepared to class discussions. While a solid grounding in the theoretical literature forms the basis of the lectures, you will be required to apply these concepts and theories to case studies.

Media Analysis

This module provides students with a critical and theoretical understanding of culture, communications and the media. The module explores media institutions, media texts, cultures and media technologies in the context of changing cultures and identities globally. Students will have the opportunity to analyse a range of aspects of media, culture and communications covering film, television, popular literature and music.

Media Law

This module familiarises students with aspects of the legal system, in a transnational context, by examining the constraints placed on the production of news and current affairs. Ethical issues that apply to these contexts are examined in relation to international human rights law. The range of restrictions associated with court reporting is examined to allow students to develop and apply techniques of writing court reports, war reports and election reporting. Aspects of the legal system that impinge on journalists’ professional practices are studied, including concepts of defamation, privilege and contempt and the constraints of reporting during war and elections.

Strategies & Management in Public Relations

This module introduces the theory of PR and enables students to develop and experiment with a wide range of professional skills. Through practical workshops, supervised exercises and discussion, they will engage in a project to plan and produce a PR campaign for a private, public or voluntary sector organisation. Students will work in groups and the project will culminate in a presentation of the campaign to their 'clients'. Students will also be introduced to the theories of crisis management and work in groups in a 'live' crisis management situation

Professiona Sub-Editing and Design

This module introduces students to the editorial production processes in print journalism and the new media sector, and develops skills which continue to be in demand within the industry. It will develop, primarily through workshop sessions, the skills of copy-editing, proof reading and clear, concise, accurate writing involved in preparation for publication and apply them to news, features and other newspaper, magazine and website content. It encourages a critical awareness of the need for, and develops the creative skills necessary to produce, accurate and ethical copy, combined with functional and engaging design in the context of print publications. A critical awareness of key ethical and legal issues relating to the representation and inclusion of diverse groups will be integrated into every facet of the curriculum.

Advertising & Consumption

The module examines the cultural politics of advertising and consumption in relation to the perspective of cultural studies. It provides a critical map of the field and studies work on consumer culture in anthropology and sociology as well as work on media audiences within media studies and sociology. The module will examine the balance between constraint and power and creativity and resistance, making links between consumption and production, and the patterns that shape access to symbolic and material resources. Questions of place and identity, poverty, the privatization of the home, and the linking of local everyday practices with broader, global processes are explored in the context of advertising and consumption.

Broadcasting and Audience Studies

This module will examine the constructions, formations and activities of media audiences. The module will provide you with a space in which to explore and examine a range of current topics related to audience studies and audience research. What is an audience? How are audiences formed? Do audiences have power to shape the media? These and similar questions will be investigated and critically examined. The classes will be structured around a series of formal and informal meetings (lecture, seminar, speakers, both internal and external) which will engage students in issues of audience research practice.