Appreciating the Diversity in Multicultural Communication Styles

International business brings executives into face-to-face contact with other executives of totally different cultural backgrounds. It has become evident that persons of dissimilar cultures are having more difficulties communicating effectively than they are with those from the same cultures. Intensive international competition further squeezes profit margins; and market conditions are changing so quickly that there is seldom time for a second chance at a mishandled contract negotiation because of some type of miscommunication. Therefore, international business communication becomes a pressing and imperative responsibility for those executives who are paving the way for advancement into international markets.