跨文化商务沟通.doc

Gender Gaps in the Process of Intercultural Business Communication文学与新闻学院 张晨晖 0941042069 邮箱：Key word: values ritual conception proper action culture conflictAs we all know, with the development of global economy, people travelling or doing business across the whole world , it is really true to feel that we live in a global village ,and it is also that we come into contact with guys from different parts of the world, which requires us good communication skills to make sure the cooperation go smoothly.While we get in touch with those people who come from areas that are different from us ,or who have diverse values or rituals , we can not deny the fact that though same district some people are from , there exists huge diverges between male and female, which is so-called gender gap in intercultural communication. And for businessmen or businesswomen, they work as the promotion ambassador of their company, successful communication help a lot with the business transaction. Ignoring the gender issue in it, we may go into a awkward situation even bring about unnecessary troubles with us because sometimes it is quite strict and uncharitable about the gender issues in some places of the world.so what are supposed to do when confronted with gender gap in the intercultural communication? From my perspective, we should have both the right conceptions and corresponding actions in the process of intercultural business communication.For one thing, to associate with foreigners in a formal business situation ,wed better find out if there is any prohibitive and special rules about the gender issues of their country. So common sense about decent manners for the gender issues is essential . For example, in many countries , it is tradition that man have higher position over woman such as Japan and Arabic areas . If you treat them in this manner , then the male guests will feel they are insulted by your equal respect and female guests may feel uneasy and embarrassed because in their minds , they are served in the way which they do not deserve . Whats more , it is important for us to avoid judgement in our own values. For us women in China, we have equal positions with men both in law and daily life, we are brought up at the atmosphere that women have equal rights with men, and women hold half of the society , it is natural for us to take it as granted that it is the same case other part of the world. However, the historical and geographical developing patterns of many countries are not all the same ,and process of the formation is long-playing and sophisticated , sometimes are influenced by the rituals and religions in that area.we shall not make imprudent judges for their inequality between men and women , although it seems impenetrable and scornful to us . The proper way to deal with gender gap in a daily association is to meet them and show our respect in their way. Besides the proper idea, remember that avoid cultural conflicts anytime anywhere in the process of intercultural business communication because conflicts no matter how right you are will lead to cracks and disagreements , which of course is harmful for both of the cooperation sides. If we are not sure about what the manners are, ask and listen carefully, I believe there is not a single nation in the world is more aggressive than taking the peace way, if we have our respects for their customs, even we did something wrong , there is not too much blame for you, I think.Another thing in dealing with gender gap is about our behaviour. With the right idea that have have been set up in the first step , we are already acceptant when faced with different values and religions. What is needed next is to show and behave ourselves well in the situation.The first point is business dressing. We all know some basic international rules about appropriate dressing style in business: suits are required in this formal situation, men are better with ties and women are better to have their skirts reaching down over the knee, and light makeup is ususlly requisite while heavy is regarded discourteous. But when we take our sight throughout the whole world, its easy to discover that we live in such a big world to have all the things unitary despite this embracing globalization . Gender gap in the intercultural communication also exists and should be paid more attention. If we do business in India, wearing the traditional saree is a wise choice for us and no other parts of the body except the navel should be exposed to public for female ,or will be regarded as disrespects to gods. The situation is even more strict in the Middle East of Arabic region: women must wear their masks before strangers unless you want to try the fiery temper of Arab . And for British , if you have received an invitation which says please wear black ties before an evening reception, that means full evening dress for men and longuette for women. Some people may say these rules brought with gender gap are so ridiculous and time-wasting, however, these dressing demands will not only help you know more about the variety of the culture but also promote the business cooperation between companies from two areas. Ignoring the importance of the gender gap in intercultural business , the only loser is the company ourselves.The second point is about language use through business talks and associations. It shows most significantly in the use of addressing form that should be paid attention to in gender difference . In China , people are used to call the older people or same aged elder brother or elder sister in business while in Vietnam, the polite way is to call them second brother or sister. For European countries which have an old custom of being polite and proper manners, for a man you first meet in public, it is good manners to call his family name with Mr ahead, while for women, it is usually Mrs for the married and Miss for the single. While in United States or Australia which share only hundreds of years history, it is more natural to call ones name straightforward or the Ms for all the women at diverse ages ,because these countries develop a more open-minded and live culture . This tiny difference between similar countries about gender gap in our intercultural communication often happens and indicates to us that cultures and customs vary from one place to anther , which calls for more patience and persistence in the business communication .Nonverbal language in intercultural communication have much to do with gender gap. When we talk to people in business or make a tour around the factory or attend a formal business party, we can not avoid body actions evolved in it, such as body touches , eye contacts and shaking hands . Apparently the two sexes have different manners and ceremonies about the nonverbal language actions:Again in Abrab , when shaking hands or doing something with hands, only right hands can be used because the Arabic think that left hands are dirty and insults for the gods, so it is common to give gifts to the host with right hands or both hands for their thanks. However, if you want to give gifts to the hostess , the gift must be delivered by someone both known to both sides not by alone or can be considered committing adultery. About genders gaps in nonverbal language , there are mostly some must not in intercultural business communication, that is to say , if we take it as nothing, the only thing we get at last is trouble , I promise. The famous movie which is played by the same actresses of the TV version, tells the story that the only eight-star luxury hotel in the world that locate in anewly-developing Arabic city Abu Dhabi in the desert invite Samantha and her PR company to publicize the new place and have her living in the hotel, although having been told the strict rules that the opposite sexes are not allow