It is hard to disagree that globalization has a significant impact on companies and organizations and allows them to expand their operations and work with different people. However, while it may sometimes be challenging to communicate and come to agreements with colleagues or subordinates within one department, communication with business partners from other parts of the planet may be extremely difficult. If I were holding such a meeting, I would take certain steps to make sure that my business partners from different continents feel comfortable.
To begin with, it is crucial to understand that varying cultural characteristics will inevitably affect communication, and while there may be misunderstandings and confusion, it is possible to avoid negativity. First, I would increase my awareness and additionally remind other persons in the meetings that our gestures, behaviors, reactions, stereotypes, and attitudes are likely to vary (Hines et al., 2019). Accepting this fact may help avoid confusion or taking a reaction or gesture personally, which inevitably spoils communication (Hines et al., 2019). Further, when possible, I would briefly study my partners’ cultural backgrounds and the most outstanding facts about how they communicate in their countries. Third, friendliness, demonstration of positive and pure intentions, and a lack of discriminating behaviors are always appreciated in business, so I would try to free myself from stereotypes and negativity. I would also set these parameters for the business meeting atmosphere (Hines et al., 2019). Finally, I would remind everyone that differences between us exist, but we are united by one positive purpose.
To draw a conclusion, one may say that the main requirement from persons in meetings where representatives of various cultures are present is to be free of biases, discriminating intentions, and stereotypes. Being open and positive is key to understanding an individual from another continent. While it may be challenging to reach a mutual agreement, it is always possible to remember that a common objective is what unites these business partners.
Reference
Hines, E., Anwari, N., & Doiron, D. (2019). How to prepare for a meeting with people from a different culture. Organizational Communication. Web.