Cross Cultural Communication in Indian Context

1. Namastey

2. Cross Cultural Communication in the Indian Context By: Prabhash, Prashant, Prithvi, Priya

3. What is cross-cultural communication?

4. Cross-cultural communication is a field of study that looks at how people from differing cultural backgrounds communicate, in similar and different ways among themselves, and how they endeavour to communicate across cultures

5. India’s Value System

6. Collectivist/group identity. Patriarchal Society- father is head of household. Hospitable- accepting of strangers. Easily offended when refused. Indirect in their speech. Hindi and English main languages. Life based around the concept of karma . Very trusting. Inequalities between men and women. Avoid conflict. Highly religious.

7. Public Etiquettes

8. Greet by pressing your palms together (Namastey) Do not hug or kiss

9. Allow women to proceed first. Do not point your fingers, rather use the hand with an upward palm.

10. Standing with hands on hips is seen as aggressive. Do not whistle or wink

11. Do not let your feet touch another person Do not make eye contacts for long periods of time

12. Respect age and seniority Shake hands only when offered

13. Dress Etiquettes

14. Men wear a shirt (short sleeve is acceptable), with or without tie Skirts should cover knees, blouses should reach high to the neck.

15. Wear neutral colors Shorts are not acceptable

16. Expectation differ across regions. Women should wear pant suits or long skirts. For social gatherings, I ndian attires are seen as gesture of friendliness.

17. Conversations and Networking

18. High non-verbal communication Avoid touching

19. Be open and friendly Express disagreements indirectly. Appreciate diversity. Stand when superior walks into the room. Get feedback from people you have good relationship with. Direct communication may be rude to Indians – find it as lack of interpersonal skills – sign of disrespect and unwillingness to collaborate. Employees prefer to be addressed by their first name.

20. Meals Etiquette

21. Refusing invitation is rude Removing shoes before entering home

22. Careful about your food habit Eating with both hands is rude and manner less

23. Do not offer food from your plate to other, neither take from others plate. Business is preferred more in lunches than dinners. Eating and talking are often offending. Thanking the host after meal is considered a form of payment, hence rude – appreciations are acceptable. Lunch hour in workplace is a source of camaraderie and amusement.

24. Other Etiquettes

25. Do not touch anyone’s head, as head is considered sensitive Use right hand for giving and receiving, left hand for cleaning purposes

26. Never use single or double fingers to point someone. Use chin, thumb or whole hand. Gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver

27. Indian women does not shake hands with man usually Indians hesitate to say “No” – understand their constrains

28. Indians prefer an arm length space between themselves and others. Rude to plunge into business decisions immediately – ask about family, hobbies and interest to make them comfortable. Social etiquette and norms is valued more than rules and regulations.

29. What ‘WE’ need to do?

30. Investigate other party’s culture and culture’s perception Take the cultural and local differences

31. Practice high level of adherence to rules and regulations Deadlines should be followed strictly

32. Say ‘NO’ when required Be direct in communicating and understand low context culture

33. Should respect authority, innovative ideas coming from any level of organization should be recognized. Understand " monochronic ” time approach - be present-focused.

34. Namastey