Meaning of Cross-Cultural Communication
Communication between people of different cultures is known as cross-cultural communication. It is also termed as inter-cultural communication. In order to understand the meaning of cross-cultural communication, one must understand the meaning of culture. In a simple way, culture is the way of life of a group of people. In a broader sense, culture is the set of beliefs, values, norms, customs, traditions, habits, morals, laws, and practices commonly shared by individuals who interact in a specific area of society. Cross-cultural communication is imperative for companies that have a diverse workforce and participate in the global economy. It is important for employees to understand the factors that are part of an effective, diverse workforce.
Every person is the product of his or her cultural environment. Therefore, culture influences the behavior, actions, reactions, thinking etc. of its members. So, cross-cultural communication occurs when people from different cultural backgrounds communicate with each other.
The Internet and modern technology have opened up new marketplaces that allow us to promote our businesses to new geographic locations and cultures. And given that it can now be as easy to work with people remotely as it is to work face-to-face, cross-cultural communication is increasingly the new norm.
