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Intercultural communication in transnational work

Which are the elements that may lead to a conflict situation?

LaRay M. Barna (1991, pp. 345f.) identified six stumbling blocks that may lead to cross-cultural misunderstandings:

  • Assumption of Similarities: The fact that humans have biological and social needs in common doesn’t mean that we all share the same set of values and attitudes.
  • Language Differences: Not to speak the “same” language can also refer to a different communication style, choice of words or attribution of meaning to the words. These language barriers may exist even when counterparts share one common language.
  • Nonverbal Misinterpretations: Gestures and other body movements can be equally as meaningful as verbal language. Not being able to read them can lead to a communication barrier.
  • Preconceptions and Stereotypes: Stereotypes reduce the complexity of our world and help us to orientate ourselves. But they also can lead to a biased view of the world around us.
  • Tendency to Evaluate: It lies in human nature to approve and disapprove of opinions, values, behaviour or to judge about the righteousness of something.
  • High Anxiety: stress often leads to defence mechanisms that hinder the appropriate interpretation of a certain situation.

Especially if one of the involved parties does not meet the expectations that exist due to the cultural values, beliefs, norms and communicative habits of the counterpart, a conflict can easily arise [see Iceberg Model Unit 1 LINK]. The root of a conflict can often be explained by considering the different culture-specific manifestations of cultural dimensions [see Dimensions Unit 1 LINK].