Monday, June 25, 2012

Word summary on Intercultural business communication and its implications for us as business people


Word  summary on Intercultural business communication and its implications for us as business people:


At first when establishing a business, location, location, location, is the most important word.  However, after is established and has ramified as a global franchise, communication becomes the most important word, in order to keep it running with success in all the areas of it.  Now, communication methods have evolved in the past two decades and businesses do not depend on phone, regular mail (snail mail) and fax only.  Now, businesses use technology to deliver not only informative mails but also training materials and manuals to strategic directive.  Video trainings, conference calls, webinars are tools to communicate important information, but if there is not an appropriate follow up with calls to get feedback and answer questions from the participants in large companies, the essence of the transmitted message can be lost.    We live in an “immediate feedback world”.  Many people feel blameworthy if they have not answered the last e-mail received 30 minutes ago.   Franchises managers in U.S. have to keep a healthy communication contact.   To keep healthy communication levels: (1) the individuals have to have a clear definition of their role at their level and (2) frequent communication.  In global franchises communication becomes a challenge because of (1) different time zones and (2) different languages.  Technology helps with e-mails and intranets, but a dedicated effort from the franchise company to the franchise partners overseas is crucial to keep in touch.  One size doesn’t fit all; each business has to find out its specific and effective way to communicate with its franchise or business partners to establish and keep the needed touch that is basic for successful running.   In short, communication is a key in personal live, in business and also in politics and should be neglected. 

Reference:    Myres, K. (2006). Communicate, Communicate, Communicate. Franchising World, 38,(11), 80-82.

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