Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.
Introduction
The advancement of information and communication technology, as well as globalization, is reshaping business processes around the world. Modern business people, therefore, need to understand various cultures to carry out business activities in respective countries. Understanding cross-cultural communication plays a significant role in understanding a particular country.
In this paper, the writer focuses on the differences between the United States and South Africa when it comes to written and visual business communication. The author observes that while the American business style tends to be personal, the South African style is laced with humor. Similarly, America’s contract is enshrined with thoroughness while South Africa’s is a relationship based on a formal written communication contract.
Content and style of written communication
According to Mattock (2003), Americans predominantly focus on information exchange in conversations. In their conversations, they are straightforward and the words they pass across are taken literarily. Americans are problem-oriented when dealing with business matters. On the other hand, South Africa consists of different spoken languages, though English is mostly used as a business language. Diplomacy characterizes South African conversations. Similarly, black cultures emphasize on tact in communication (Spierenburg & Wels, 2006). Thus, you will find South Africans listening, disagreeing or admitting to the question the listener asks to avoid disappointing the listener.
The communication style tends to be personal. Hence, the Americans engage an individual in a conversation on a wide variety of topics. The goal is to find out shared experiences, and if there are, then, they conclude that they have a lot in common. Sana & Valentine (2003) point out that the major conversation topic for Americans is usually on personal experiences. When combined with explicit and direct communication styles, Americans reveal more of them.
On the other hand, humor defines South African business communication. It is embraced in communication as a means of releasing tension. South Africans are tactile, therefore, lengthy handshakes and back-slapping are typical (Spierenburg & Wels, 2006). However, this approach can be interpreted by other cultures as a sign of unfriendliness. Various features shape the communication styles of Americans. These features are straightforward, problem-oriented; focus on information exchange, personal and informal.
Americans and South Africans communication styles differ in the manner they deal with matters of a contract. While the American contracts could be admired for their scrupulousness, the South African contracts are based on the relationship between the parties involved. In America, for example, even a simple transaction such as renting a mountain bike for a half a day may require five pages to outline measures to deal with in case of any possible eventuality (Sellin & Winters, 2005).
Once the individuals have agreed, there is room for flexibility in the terms of engagement unless the contract is renegotiated afresh. If either of the parties involved fails to fulfill the contract, the following legal process is to impose compliance. A written agreement in the American culture serves as a form of an assurance of understanding, not as a legal document stipulating certain restrictions and conditions. It is flexible and adjustable as a new situation arises. Parties involved value pre-existing relationships over a legal system for the sake of compliance reasons, therefore the former is way more often relied upon by them.
In South Africa, a contract is not expressively clear. This is because most businesses are concerned primarily with forming a personal relationship with one another. It is thought that business will proceed with a relationship than formal communication available on the contract (Mitchell, 1998).
The Americans attach significance to the written word; hence, business reports provide a medium for assessing the progress of the business. Therefore, statistics form part of the reports to enhance clarity, support a point and persuade the audience. Time is of the essence when submitting a business report; hence, failure to meet deadlines to submit business reports is viewed as being undependable as well as irresponsible (Sellin & Winters, 2005).
Unlike in the American business, culture were reports need to accompany numbers or statistics, South African report formats are either statistically-based or not. However, the critical point is that the report should be backed up with evidence or facts. Reports are often presented in business meetings to enable the business to make decisions. Participants are given time to express their views openly and finally, a decision is made. This is in contrast to the American companies where a meeting may be an opportunity to pronounce and elucidate the verdict (Mitchell, 1998).
Preferred modes of communication
Face to face communication is the most preferred form of communication in South Africa compared to other types of communication. However, as in the American culture, some businesses prefer email communication. Face to face communication adds a personal touch in communication and helps cement a relationship with others unlike telephone and other means of communication (Ghisini & Blendstruo, 2008).
However, most Americans prefer email as a mode of business communication compared to fax and business letter. In the email, Americans prefer formality and avoid abbreviations that can distort the intended meaning of the message (Sellin & Winters, 2005). When communicating via email, Americans communicate as if the email is written on the company letterhead. This means that the writing mechanics typical of traditional writing mechanics are embraced. They liken the image to a formal business letter; hence, utmost care is undertaken during drafting. The formality of the email plays a significant role for Americans; it is a valuable way of respecting the other person and entrenching the business brand and image. Also, the email is central in cementing established companies as well as developing a new business relationship with a high degree of professionalism.
Use of Communication Technology
Communication technology shapes the everyday life of American businesses. Services rendered by technology such as social media and mobile phones define how information is passed from one point to another. Social networks, for example, Facebook and Twitter are mostly used by Americans to improve their brand image as well as marketing activities (Ghisini & Blendstruo, 2008). Video conferencing is also a technology widely used by Americans. American’s use of video conferencing to conduct business meetings. Video conferencing technology reduces time to spend while traveling and also cut down business costs. Mobile phones define the art of American communication. Besides business-related functions, Americans use cell phones to get in touch with friends, relatives and to manage their day to day activities.
South Africa’s use of communication technology is widespread as it is in the United States. Mobile phones, social media platforms, and internet-based calling services are used by businesses to communicate with their colleagues and stakeholders (Mitchell, 1998). Mostly, web-based calling services such as Skype are widely used by businesses to get in touch with other companies located outside South Africa.
In conclusion, the United States and South Africa differ in several ways with regards to content and style of written communication, modes of communication and the use of communication technology. While the United States places more emphasis on a detailed written contract, South Africans embrace an informal approach based on relationships. Similarly, South Africa adopts face to face communication unlike the email method widely used by American businesspeople.
References
Ghisini, E., and Blendstruo, A. (2008). Communicating the American Way. California: Silicon Valley.
Mattock, J. (2003). Cross-Cultural Business Communication: The Essential Guide to International Business (3rd Ed.). London: Kogan Page.
Mitchell, C. (1998). Passport South Africa: Your Pocket Guide to South African Business, Customs & Etiquette. Petaluma, CA: World Trade Press.
Sana, R., and Valentine, D. (2003). Guide to Cross-Cultural Communication. New York: Prentice-Hall.
Sellin, R.G., and Winters, E. (2005). Cultural Issues in Business Communication (2nd Ed.). Charleston, SC: Book Surge Publishing.
Spierenburg, M., and Wels, H. (2006). Culture, Organization, and Management in South Africa. New York: Nova Publishers.
Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.