BusCom Class Three Discussion, Essay Example

Communication styles and etiquette vary among different countries. What citizens of one country consider reasonable or necessary, citizens of another country may find undesirable or unnecessary. Business communication in foreign countries has the potential to confound Americans unfamiliar with foreign customs. Thailand is an excellent example of a country with communication methods that differ from the communication methods of the United States.

While investigating Thailand, on www.executiveplanet.com, I found many compelling facts. The most interesting aspect relates to gift giving. While it is not uncommon in other countries to give a gift as part of a business meeting, in Thailand, gift recipients do not open gifts while in front of gift givers. Since Thai’s prefer not to reveal their emotions and have a strong desire to save face, they wait to open gifts in private.

Communication in Thailand is decidedly different from communication in the United States. For example, when conversing with a Thai one must be careful and not over compliment his or her possessions. Over complimenting in such a way could lead the Thai to feel obligated to give the possession to the complimentary individual. By contrast, it is common in the Unites States to compliment a person on his or her possession if that possession is especially nice.

The Thai unwillingness to convey emotion and the Thai desire to save face are also factors of importance in the business world. During the negotiating process, a Thai who repeatedly points to a small problem, may be, in fact, eluding to a larger problem. In an effort to allow a person to save face, Thais may point to a small problem to avoid the embarrassment of the larger issue.

Whatever the country, Americans doing business abroad must pay close attention to foreign practices and customs. The old saying, “When in Rome,” may be cliché in some instances, but it illuminates an issue crucial to international business—adapting to the practices of the host country. Adaptation and respect for the cultures and beliefs of others can lead to accepted business deals and higher profits.