The importance of cross-cultural communication that drives success

Good communication has always been a cornerstone of successful businesses. But now, with improved
technology allowing more businesses to expand their reach across international boundaries, it’s even
more prevalent.

The ability to communicate effectively with diverse cultures has become of paramount importance. You
cannot conduct productive or profitable business without understanding your collaborator’s culture.

These same technologies enable businesses to employ talent from anywhere in the world and to
integrate them into effective and productive teams. Fostering an understanding of cultural differences
and understanding the importance of cross-cultural communication is vital for the productive
functioning of these teams.

Understanding a global culture

The challenges and benefits of working in this global culture and the effects of a business’ worldview all
prove the importance of cross-cultural communication.

Cross-cultural communication refers to the communication between participants from different

cultures. Even within the same country, different locations can have cultural differences.
Communication styles, standard norms of turn-taking in conversation, and accepted methods of address
may all differ.

So, before getting into the workplace and the effects of cross-cultural communication, it’s necessary to
understand cross-cultural communication and inclusion while keeping several things in mind.

Each of us needs to develop our knowledge and understanding of our own cultural background and
biases. Without this understanding, we take many things for granted. This will undoubtedly lead to
misunderstandings and misinterpretations. We also need to cultivate open-mindedness of other
cultures and ways of doing things. Keeping these points in mind, let’s proceed.

Aspects that prove the importance of cross cultural communication

For businesses to thrive in the global economy, it’s becoming increasingly vital to be aware of the
importance of cross-cultural communication. Those businesses that successfully navigate and harness
the differences and similarities between cultures can create more resilient interconnection and
interdependence.

Accordingly, the importance of cross-cultural communication in business plays its role in increasing
productivity which helps businesses to thrive and increase their profits. So, let’s go through some of the
greatest benefits of improved cross-cultural communication in the workplace and see how they drive
success.

Communication and trust

Good cross-cultural understanding improves communication between people from different cultures.
Consequently, it fosters greater trust.

When employees or customers are aware of potential differences and similarities, they’re likely to pay
closer attention. They’ll think more about what other people are saying and doing. This is important to
minimize misunderstandings and to consider what the other side is actually trying to communicate.

When employees or customers demonstrate an understanding of each other’s cultural background,

greater trust is built. This creates a feeling of being a team and it enhances collaboration.

Increasing productivity and profits

Improved communication and trust promote greater productivity of all. The improved communication
between colleagues boosts productivity in numerous ways, including reducing misinterpretation and a
better understanding of strategies and goals.

With greater trust, participants can focus more on their aspect of the common work. All without the
worry of whether the other participants are fulfilling the requirements of their respective tasks.
Furthermore, greater trust also promotes collaboration and a sense of unity amongst team members.

Incentives
Another reason why cross-cultural communication is important is that it impacts the understanding of
the different incentive drives of participants. By applying good cross-cultural understanding, we cater to
these various incentives and create an inclusive environment. Consequently, there is an improvement in
productivity when the participants are appropriately incentivized.
Appropriate incentives make employees or customers feel more valued because they recognize that
attention has been paid to their relevant cultural norms.

Creativity
With a larger pool of cultural influences and views, creativity is improved as well.

Because of the greater variety in cultural influences and views, there are more inputs to any creative
endeavor. This cultural diversity is important because it provides a larger selection of possible solutions
to any problem or challenge faced in the workplace.

Also, a better cross-cultural understanding is important to develop open-mindedness. It promotes the

understanding that there’s more than one solution that’s suitable for any given situation or challenge.

In today’s rapidly changing markets and fast-paced lifestyles, improved creativity and problem-solving
can provide a business with a noticeable edge.

Human resources
The importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding has its part in a business’s human
resources department as well. When they have the ability to recruit globally and successfully integrate
international talent, a business can make use of the most talented people, irrespective of their location.

Not only would such diversity improve productivity, but it would also have a positive impact on the
company’s image. It demonstrates that they value ability and talent wherever it comes from.

Challenging the status quo

Cultural diversity means that more questions are asked between participants as they seek to ensure
effective communication and understanding. This results in the challenging of the status quo which
often leads to potential improvements that would have been missed in a monocultural environment.

Moreover, frequent improvements often mean more efficient workflows, which can also drive greater
success within the workplace.
Local needs
In utilizing cross-cultural communication and the application of a diverse talent pool, businesses can
adapt to regional requirements with greater finesse and understanding. By making use of the relevant
knowledge from within their global workforce, they’re better equipped to adapt to and understand local
needs, habits, and requirements.

Demonstrating such local understanding could be a primary determiner of success in a local market. By
catering to local culture, your business is almost certain to have a competitive edge over any rivals.

A great growth opportunity

While there are numerous challenges that occur when different cultures interact, there is a great
opportunity too.

Ideally, the development and implementation of cross-cultural communication should take place from
the top of the organization. When the leaders set an example and demonstrate their awareness and
adaptability, they pave the way for everyone else in the organization to follow suit.

The benefits of effective cross-cultural communication, not only toward success and profit, can be
immense. It generally outweighs the challenges posed and has major long-term benefits.

To start the development of cross-cultural communication, keep the above in mind. Remember to
actively listen to all participants. And, always pause before reacting, in case there has been a cultural
misunderstanding.

Conclusion
Society’s integration with technology and the resulting development of global culture has placed greater
pressures on business. It highlighted the need for developing and training cultural understanding and
the importance of cross-cultural communication. Therefore, breaking the cross-cultural communication
barriers in the workplace goes a long way towards increasing success.