CROSS-CULTURE COMMUNICATION 1

Cross-Culture Communication

Group-III ( BSE-2A)

Fast-NUCES
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Cross-Culture Communication
We were provided with a scenario in which we were being recruited by a local

corporation that intends to send a delegation to other countries to investigate the possibilities

of establishing a headquarters there. Because the staff was local, they were unfamiliar with

the country's culture and how to properly connect with the people. They needed knowledge

on both to properly communicate and avoid misunderstanding, estranging, or upsetting

anyone they encountered. Our goal was to provide information to the delegation so they

could communicate effectively and perform their assignment properly.

Country/Culture: China

Type(s) of Business Interaction: Communication between coworkers

We made a research on Chinese Culture and Business setting and our findings are as

follows: 

Body language, or kinesics, is an essential form of nonverbal communication since it

reveals mood, sentiments, or what is being intended. Unlike Muslim cultures, where only the

right hand is used to receive or offer a gift, in China, both hands are utilized. Patting a child's

head is considered affection in China. Direct eye contact outweighs indirect eye contact. It is

a humble gesture. In a business meeting, when there isn't much time to talk, Chinese people

typically nod to greet others. Handshakes are another way to show respect and politeness in

Chinese culture. But be cautious while hugging Chinese folks. Hugging is not considered

impolite in China unless it is from a very close friend or loved one.

Proxemics is the area of knowledge concerned with the amount of distance that

individuals believe they must maintain between themselves and others. Someone entering

another's personal space may feel awkward. Chinese people loathe being touched, hugged, or

backslapped. Putting one's arm around another is not advised. Don't be frightened if someone

comes and stands close to you; this is how people travel on trains and other public places
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with crowded spaces. Chinese people live in small dwellings, and their dorm rooms hold 6-8

people, which would suit 1-2 westerners, so don't be startled if you see a massive crowd

encircling you. Do not snap your fingers, whistle, or point your index finger as this may come

across as impolite.

Vocalics is the study of paralanguage, including vocal features. It's tough to grasp when

visiting China from a foreign culture, yet it's crucial for global businesses. Indirect

communication is highly valued in China. Instead of words, they use posture, attitude, and

tone of voice. Their statements are often imprecise and understated. The objective is to

maintain unity and prevent embarrassment on both sides. In China, males frequently

dominate women. Loud female speech is considered rude. Han Xu (implicit communication)

is the preferred approach in Chinese verbal communication. Indirect communication hides the

speaker's true aim, needs, goals, and desires.

The interpretation of time is chronemics. The Chinese have a polychronic time

perspective in general. They are working on multiple projects at once. They place more value

on time and regard it as a valuable commodity. Conscientiousness is highly valued in

business meetings and other gatherings and being late is considered quite rude. In China,

timeliness is way more valuable than money. There is a well-known Chinese saying that

goes, "An inch of time is an inch of gold, but an inch of time cannot be purchased for an inch

of gold."

In nonverbal communication, a dress code is important. In China, business clothing is

highly conservative and modest. Dark-colored, classic suits are the preferred work attire for

men. For women, high-necked business suits or dresses are required. Men's business clothing

in China is mostly shirts or jackets. At formal events, men must wear ties. Ladies may wear

simple accessories but should avoid heavy makeup. Tuxedos are unprofessional in China.

Women must wear flats or extremely low heels, with high heels reserved for evening parties.
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Remember that shorts and jeans are inappropriate for business meetings and formal settings.

Flashing apparel is considered an offense in Chinese business.

This effort is from:

Sadia Saleem (21l-6081)
Mian Abdul Hadi (21L-6077)
Sania Nisar (21L-6065)
Lyba Habib (21L-6102)