Cultural Intelligence, International Business Question

Question

1.Please explain the concept of cultural intelligence and why it’s important when doing international business.

Answer 1

As globalization of businesses become the norm, cultural intelligence can make a vital difference between success and failure. Even though English has become the international language of business, without investigating and becoming familiar with how English is used in other countries and the different meaning of common words, you will be at a disadvantage. In addition to understanding the language, an awareness of the communications through tone, body gestures and emotional responses also important. In many countries, there are ancient customs and religious laws that cannot be dismissed. Common gestures used in the US like OK, thumbs up, middle finger and other have different and somethings highly offensive meanings as does touching someone, wearing shoes, using the wrong hand in some countries. To not come with an understanding of these traditions will result in gaffes, insults and a complete lack of trust with potential partners or customers. All this is why cultural intelligence is important in doing international business.

Answer 2

EXXON spent major resources trying find a name, EXXON, that didn't offend someone in some language or culture, as they sold oil worldwide, in every country.

culture is tied to language. We all "size up" a person or proposal as honest, fair or NOT, based on subtle clues, words, expressions. IF we inadvertently offend someone or say or do something that rubs the wrong way in another culture, it costs profits, trade deals, and maybe adverse legal problems.

Some translators are hired to change the words you speak to make it more pleasant to the other language speaker. In court they do literal translations, in business, you want an interpreter who "cleans up" what you say, to make it sound better, more pleasing to the other culture.

If a court interpreter were to do the same, here's a possible scenario:

judge: the next hearing will be set soon, when we can fit it into the calendar.

defendant: Let's get the show on the road. I demand a trial date now.

Let's stop stalling around. Move it. You a__hole.

interpreter: the defendant wishes to expedite the proceedings Your Honor.