Culture Club

With an economy that is continually growing on a global level it is very important to understand different cultural views and perspectives. With so many diverse populations it is important to understand certain so called commandments to best understand and reach your audience. One of these commandments that I use every day is commandment IIV according to Martin Hahn, “Be aware of different etiquette rules or manners: what is polite in one culture may be considered rude in another” (Hahn, 2010.p.1). I find this very true with working with different people throughout the country. People in the South and Middle America do things much slower than on the East and West coasts. When dealing with people from these parts of the country it is very important to build rapport and trust. Many times if you take things too fast and try to apply pressure things can blow up in your face. This is very true in Asian culture as well. Time is not money within these cultures which refers to commandment IV according to Hahn; and decisions are made off instinct and relationships rather than selling points and bottom lines which are typically the norm in most of America. These guidelines need to be considered when dealing with other cultures whether they exist within our borders or without. Realizing a cultural difference shows your client that you have done your research and are willing to work outside your normal parameters to better make your client comfortable.

References

Hahn, Martin. 2010. Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communication,

            Retrieved on February 23, 2011 from,

http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Commandments-of-Intercultural-        Communication&id=120247