Cross Culture

What is cross culture?

Cross culture is established when a company makes efforts to ensure that its employees get the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. A business is said to focus on cross-cultural principles when it actively seeks out ways to bridge the gap between geographical and ethnic differences.

Many organizations are looking to build a cross culture with the rise of globalization. Educating employees to recognize and learn more about diversity is one of the top priorities for modern businesses. Successful companies and leaders understand that they must drive creativity and innovation through different perspectives and diverse environments to be effective.

Technology such as employee communications software is leveraged to encourage and strengthen cross culture. These tools help employees across levels to create and access content to prevent communication silos.

Employee engagement software often goes hand-in-hand with employee communication systems to gauge worker satisfaction through internal communication channels and pulse surveys.

Importance of cross-cultural skills

Equipping people with cross-cultural skills is essential as it helps them learn more about themselves and each other. Since they encounter information that may or may not align with their views and preconceptions, this process enables employees to contemplate differing perspectives. It increases openness and flexibility in the workplace.

• Breaks barriers: Adopting a cross-cultural approach helps break down barriers, such as prejudices and stereotypes, that hamper communication and interpersonal relationships. Focusing on objectivity facilitates open dialogue and debate.

• Builds trust: Accepting different ways of thinking builds mutual understanding and improves trust. This, in turn, leads to better cooperation and collaboration among team members. 
• Boosts motivation: Cross-cultural skills boost self-confidence and motivation as people feel empowered to be honest and authentic. It also brings in a need for self-reflection and analysis, which helps identify areas of improvement personally and professionally.
• Improves innovation: Creativity and innovation stem from the ability to look at things from different angles and invest in strategic problem-solving. Working with people from diverse backgrounds increases innovation by approaching challenges from as many angles as possible.

Cross culture examples

In the business context, cross culture goes beyond communication and extends to a person’s perception of personal space, physical contact,  body language, and associated cultural connotations.

It’s customary for Europeans and South Americans to kiss a business associate on the cheeks instead of shaking hands. On the other hand, North Americans are most comfortable standing at an arms-length from associates. Other cultures prefer standing shoulder-to-shoulder, while female coworkers will often walk arm-in-arm in Russia.

In high context cultures such as China, providing a direct “yes” or “no” in response to a question is considered rude, and meetings are seen as a way to discuss issues and elaborate on messages. However, in low context cultures such as the US, Canada, or Australia, people prefer to make quick decisions and don’t require explanations.

When conducting business with Japanese people, it’s essential to note that bowing in front of each other is considered a sign of respect. Business cards are presented with two hands and must be received in the same manner as it is not seen as an empty gesture.

How to develop cross-cultural skills

Cross-cultural skills make people adept at navigating tricky situations. Leaders can help employees develop a cross-cultural skill set by promoting awareness, factual accuracy, and sensitivity in social interactions.

The first step to teaching a cross-cultural mindset is to study and observe unique communication techniques and behaviors among people to increase awareness. Some cultures emphasize a system of etiquette and are more formal in their approach, while others value expression and bluntness. 

There is no one-size-fits-all method for understanding every culture, and employees must proactively broaden their horizons to increase subject awareness.

The next step is to research and educate people on the importance of correcting cultural facts. 

For instance, every culture has its norms, history, geography, and economic issues, which employees must know to steer clear of making incorrect assumptions in any given interaction.

The final step in developing cross-cultural skills is to consistently remind people that no culture is less or more important than any other. It’s better to be cautious and mindful of one’s words and actions to avoid taking any culture or person for granted.

Cross-cultural communication business tips

Understanding cultures and cross-cultural communication is an invaluable business asset and a requirement for successful relationships and negotiations.

• Develop cultural awareness. Identifying and knowing cultural differences helps broaden cultural awareness. This is essential to bridging the cultural communication gap.

• Learn new languages. Language is integral to understanding a culture. It helps you communicate with different people and improve clear communication.
• Communicate face-to-face. Trying to converse with people via video sometimes leads to miscommunication. Prioritizing face-to-face communication provides insights into mannerisms, etiquette, and body language for better articulation.
• Be flexible. Embracing new ideas and perspectives provides scope for improving behavior and challenging preconceived beliefs. Being flexible and open in business contexts pushes people out of their comfort zone to try new things.