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Bridging cultural differences through effective communication – whether verbal or visual – can be critical to business negotiations and relationships with international customers. Something as simple as shaking a customer’s hand could be riddled with faux pas, making the intended purpose of the business travel ineffective.
Understanding the language your professional network speaks and how to use it to convey messages effectively can make or break the success of business and events travel. Some cultures are more direct in their communication while others are more conservative, so doing your research first is important.
Larry Lo, CTM’s CEO – Asia, reflects on the time CTM’s Managing Director Jamie Pherous addressed staff and business partners at an official engagement in Hong Kong. “Jamie demonstrated respect for local culture when addressing the audience in Cantonese during the acquisition ceremony for Westminster Travel back in 2014. It was a welcomed display of respect and his efforts to learn the language were well received.”
Negotiation plays an important role in international business. However, when engaging with diverse markets, workplace etiquette can vary significantly. Culture influences an individual’s behaviour, communication style, and thought processes, all of which play a part in the negotiation dynamics. It is paramount for organisations and individuals to comprehend and respect cultural differences during business transactions and proactively address the challenges they present.
Effective communication entails not only verbal exchanges but also an understanding of non-verbal cues, interactions, and gestures such as eye contact and handshakes. Nonetheless, it is important to recognise that these practices may not be universal and could have evolved in recent years.
Eve White, CTM’s Vice President, Global Customer Solutions explains “I have had the pleasure of working in global travel management for 25 years travelling to and working with at least 50+ countries. During this time I have certainly learned the intricacies of conducting business on a global scale. As part of the Global Customer Solutions team, our work revolves around delivering travel solutions whilst understanding the diverse service and content requirements of our customers globally. We navigate languages, currency, regulations, taxation, culture, technology norms, service expectations and content access to serve customers globally. Every country has its unique way of doing business, and it is crucial to understand these differences to excel in the art of bridging cultures and achieving business success.”
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