Q.

Discuss in detail the Individual variables in a culture

Definition of Culture
The definition of culture means a particular set of customs, morals, codes and traditions from a
specific time and place.
The set of predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize a group or organization.
Culture is seen in people's writing, religion, music, clothes, cooking and in what they do.
Background to Intercultural Communication
Many personal and national variables affect both the senders and the receivers of messages.
Each person and each country has its own written and unwritten rules of behavior including
instructions in communication.
It is more comfortable to work with the people of your own country but international
communication demands dealings with people from foreign countries. Globalization means that
for a Company to survive, it must establish markets not only in its own country but also in many
foreign countries. Thus employees must understand other cultures as well
Individual Cultural Variables
Differences in verbal and nonverbal cues exist within each culture on the micro and more
personal level. These differences have an impact on effective communication. The individual
cultural variables are following:
Time
Space
Food   
Acceptable dress
Manners
Decision making
Time:
Time is an important factor in communication. For example Germans are punctual while In Latin
America cultures, people have to wait for hours. Same is the example here in Pakistan. Arriving
late is socially accepted in our country. Knowing cultural perceptions of time help you
understand why some responses are slow by your standards.
Space:
Body languages greatly effect communication. Americans demands more space between
themselves and others when speaking. In some other cultures (Arabs, Latin Americans), people
who do not stand close seem cold and unfriendly.
Concepts of office space also differ. In third-world countries, several people occupy the same
office, even the same desk. Furniture is arranged according to ranks. So, we cannot assume that
a western concept of space is accepted and understood throughout the world.
Food:
It is good to visit ethnic restaurants in your home country before traveling anywhere in the
world. Then you’ll have an initial idea as to the kinds of food available: how they are served, or
eaten. Few years back, only tourists in London or Tokyo would visit McDonald’s or at KFC. But
now the natives in those countries also frequent such places. Food and methods of its
preparation varies across cultures. Pork is forbidden in Middle Eastern countries but is a part of
Asian diet in many countries; beef is a hard to find in India; our local food is spicy, eating with
chopsticks is a norm in China.
Acceptable Dress:
Dress also has value in communication. It is very important when you are communicating in
front of gathering, your dress should be perfect. It is the better to ask about the mode of dress
for an occasion in the host country. In the Middle East long cotton coats are acceptable.
Manners:
Manners also have value in communication. We should be aware of manners of culture to
whom we are communicating. We can also observe children in foreign cultures because by
watching them we learn the behavioral habits of elders. Children shake your hand in Germany,
hug you in Italy. You bring a gift when visiting most homes in Europe. Avoid gifts of Red Roses in
Germany France, Belgium and Japan. In Saudi Arabia, you will learn that the junior prince is
silent when a senior enters.
Decision Making:
Patience is needed in intercultural communication and also in doing business with other
countries. Americans are quick in making decisions while in Japan decision making takes time.
Thus patience and understanding of the decision process adds to your success in dealing with a
foreign environment.
Q. Explicate on detail the variables that influence intercultural communication/
What is culture? Describe an intercultural communication model.
A Concept of Culture
Culture refers to the behavioral characteristic typical of a group. This definition implies that
communication, verbal and nonverbal within a group is also typical of that group and is unique.
An Intercultural Communication Model
Studies have long determined that all of us are more comfortable with persons we know and
who hold similar beliefs. Let’s look at the figure:

While communicating the message, the sender and the receiver both are affected by external
and internal factors. Communicating with business people in a foreign country we must realize
that overall national and individual cultural differences within the culture further affect these
factors.
National Variables Individual Cultural
Variables
Education Time
Regulation Space
Economics Food
Politics Accepted Dress
Social Norms Manners
Language Decision Making
National Cultural Variables
Education
Many managers in foreign countries are not very well educated. Most Asian and Chinese
managers have had a less formal education than American and European managers.
Law and Regulations
In both the developed and developing nations, various government regulations affect business
communications and the sale of the products. In some Muslim countries fashion magazines are
not allowed and in many countries, cosmetic makeup is also prohibited
Economics
Availability of capital, transportation and the standard of living per capita vary from nation to
nation. The opportunity to borrow money, the rate of inflation, and the exchange rates
influence business and a country’s ability to communicate concerning that business.
Politics
The political changes in government will affect future business relations. Events such as
protests, arrests, elections, strikes, government crises, revolutions are important in determining
the stability of a country.
Religion
We must be careful of religious beliefs in foreign countries. Although some basic beliefs
overlap, yet there are some major differences. Religious holidays affect international
communication, interrupting work schedules or delaying responses to requests.
Be aware too that religion can affect the status of women; their positions within an economy
and even their buying patterns and habits of dress.
Social Norms
In various ways any national environmental constraints such as education, law and regulations,
economics, politics, religion affect a nation’s social norms. A bond may exist between persons,
based on caste, class, age, or even special interests. Be aware of a nation’s social norms.
Language
Unless both sender and receiver understand a common language, the opportunities for
successful business communication remain limited. English is spoken and understood
worldwide and to a major extent the language of business.
Q. Why is it significant to maintain ethics in business communication? Explain in
detail the principles of ethics in communication.

Ethical Communication Defined

"Ethical communication" refers to the practice of conveying honest information in a manner
that is not intended to be misleading.
Ethical communication encompasses being honest in all communications, keeping information
confidential, and not discussing the personal or business situations of others in public or in
front of a third party.

Principles of Ethical Communication

Following are the principles of ethical Communication
1. Be Truthful and Honest
Being honest means communicating what is known to be true (only 100 percent the facts) to a
listener, with no intent to deceive. It also means being as objective as possible. Ethical
communication should be based on accurate information and facts.
2. Active Listening
Hearing someone and listening to them are two different things. In order for ethical
communication to be effective, it is necessary for the recipient to actively listen to the speaker,
and to not just hear what they want to hear, or to hear only parts of the conversation. This also
means asking questions when any point is not completely understood, for the sake of
clarification.
3. Speak Non-Judgmentally
Ethically and concisely communicating means speaking in a non-judgmental manner avoiding
conflict, which causes misunderstandings. Unnecessary conflict is never good for any business,
and such conflicts usually result from unethical communications.
4. Speak From Your Own Experience
Sharing your personal experience with listeners is important. Such a communication method
paints a complete picture for your audience and helps to prove your points so that the listeners
have a better understanding of what is being said.
5. Consider the Receiver’s Preferred Communication Channel
To effectively communicate with your listeners, use the most preferred communication
channel, whether that be face-to-face, email, conference call, phone call, messenger app, etc.
Also, when presenting data to a business audience, be aware of the preferred method of
presentation for that business, whether it be graphs, slides, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
6. Strive To Understand
It is important for listeners to strive to fully understand what is being said before responding.
Listeners should think about what has been said before constructing a reply. Reading “in
between the lines” is also an important skill that allows for understanding what isn’t said, but
was implicitly said or implied.
7. Avoid Negative Tone
Ethically communicating assumes the speaker will avoid rudeness, be polite and professional.
The ethical communicator knows that it’s not only important what you say, but how you say
it. Tone is one of the most critical factors of communication.
Keeping the tone positive or neutral is best, as the tone of a written message. Tact means to be
completely honest and open with one’s thoughts and feelings while still remaining polite and
respectful.
8. Do Not Interrupt Others
Allowing others to speak is important for the creation of a civil, effective working environment.
Interrupting others results in misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts and hinders
corporate progress and creates problems. Interrupting others not only shows a lack of respect,
but does not allow the listener to fully grasp what is being said.
9. Respect Privacy and Confidentiality
Most businesses should include a clause in their code of ethics defining what is appropriate
when it comes to client and employee confidentiality and privacy. This can have a wide range of
implications, including minimizing workplace gossip, and discussion about the private lives of
clients.
10. Accept Responsibility
Ethical communication framework includes taking responsibility for the actions that result from
one’s words. This includes both short term and long term consequences of one’s
communications. One should be aware of importance of being careful about ethical
communication.
Conclusion:
In business organizations, communicating concisely, ethically, and appropriately are all
necessary so a business can operate effectively and efficiently.
Q. What are the key areas for ethical communication on which a manager should focus?
Discuss in detail
"Ethical communication" refers to the practice of conveying honest information in a manner
that is not intended to be misleading.
Ethical communication encompasses being honest in all communications, keeping information
confidential, and not discussing the personal or business situations of others in public or in
front of a third party.
Key Areas for Ethical Communication
Ethical treatment of a subject takes time, thought, and preparation. As a manager, it is
important to focus on ethical communication in three key areas:

 Personal Written and Spoken Messages

 Cross-Cultural Messages
 Advertising Messages
 Personal Written and Spoken Messages
Your messages, both written and spoken, demonstrated not only the message, you intended
but also a message regarding your values and integrity.
Use the following guidelines to evaluate your purpose and motives in each situations.
The guidelines are:
1. Message purpose
2. Research methods
3. Selection of material
4. Development of ideas
5. Use of language
6. Ethical context
7. Self-analysis

 Cross-Cultural Messages
A diverse workplace is one where people from different cultures lived and worked together.
The world has become a global village, and the work force reflects that diversity. Because we
have such different customs and ways of communicating, it is natural that misunderstandings
occur in the workplace.
Following guidelines can be followed to behave ethically in cross cultural context
Cross-Cultural Ethical Guidelines:
1. Cultural context
2. Misunderstandings
3. Language
4. Accountability
Advertising Messages
It is ethically wrong to advertise products in ways that confuse others. Whether promoting an
event or a line of products for a multimillion dollar company, the rule for ethical advertising is
consistent:
Tell the truth, don’t misrepresent, and don’t manipulate language to create a false impression.
Ethical Guidelines for Advertising:
1. Language
2. Graphics/print
3. Omission
4. Truth
5. Accountability