Archive for the ‘Business Communication’ category

Culture and Business Communication

June 21st, 2011

In business the most valuable thing would be information and for it to be transferred from one body to the other, communication is the vital element that drives such process. But when the communication comes to certain influenced by culture, it is a whole new chapter to be understood. International businesses are facing a new dilemma whereby cross-cultural communication is introduced due to the major reforms brought about through internationalization, merging and joint ventures. This would make culture an important aspect when it comes to business communication.

Lack of understanding or investment in cross-cultural training would lead to major business problems. Such as loss of clients, poor staff motivation, lack of team building, internal conflicts, and poor productivity. These are all only the icing of the by-products of poor cross-cultural communication. International companies with highly diverse workforce in terms of nationality and cultural background all face the same problem when conflict arises from the difference of culture, language, value, belief, business ethic, behavior, and cultural etiquettes.

Such conflict could prove to be a negative impact on the business mainly in team cohesion and staff productivity. Cross-cultural communication problems can manifest into the downfalls of big international companies when taken lightly. That is why more and more companies have realized such dilemma and are upgrading intercultural communication skills within its organization.

Cross-cultural consultants and intercultural team builders are summoned to deal with such dilemma as technology and science is improving by the second. Communication within companies is now more efficient and fast phones, fax and various other means of communication tools are invented closing in on the barriers of distance but introduces cross-cultural communication awareness. » Read more: Culture and Business Communication

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Effective Business Communication

April 25th, 2011

Business communication involves constant exchange of information. It is a continuous process. The more the business expands, the greater is the pressure on the business to find more effective means of communication – both with the employees and with the world outside. Thus, business and communication goes hand in hand. Without effective business communication, a manager cannot perform the basic functions of management efficiently. It is the life-blood of an organization.

For a good communication in business, we should ensure the following:

  1. Every communication in business, whether written or oral, should be logically structured , i.e.,it should have a good beginning, a good body(content), and an effective ending. Be it a business letter or business speech, the communication should begin in such a manner that the audience have keen interest and pays attention to the message. The content of the communication should gives the core message of communication. The communication should end in such a manner that the audience knows what is expected of them and they get the jist of the message.
  2. Correct means of communication should be used- a means which take into reference time and cost constraints. Choice of appropriate channel also depends upon the amount of formality required and the speed of feedback required.
  3. Communication should be articulate and concise. Use of ambiguous words should be avoided. Choice of words should be such that it overcomes cultural differences.
  4. Business communication should be influencing and persuasive.
  5. Communication should be courteous. Polite and considerate behavior is essence of business communication.
  6. A positive body language should be used . For example, during meetings and interviews, maintain a frequent eye contact, give a pleasing smile , make all feel comfortable, etc.
  7. Feedback is an integral component of communication. Without feedback, it will be impossible to know whether the receiver has understood the message in same terms as intended.
  8. Try using more of ”You” rather than “I”. The audience or the receivers of the message should be given importance.
  9. Be an active listener . The quality of communication improves if one is a good listener. One should listen positively, should be open-minded and attentive.
  10. The facts should not be partial, i.e., they should be complete. The receiver of the message might get confused or might take a wrong action if facts are incomplete.
  11. The facts should be recent and not outdated.

Besides these essentials of the communication process one should also take care of overcoming the barriers which can affect the communication process.

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