This series seeks to illuminate, highlight, and spotlight (intercultural) communication in the world of business. In order to conduct any business, relationships need to be established which are primarily reciprocal relationships whether between employer and employee, or provider and customer. Since business relationships are essentially human relationships, they rely on communication. Thus, an understanding of fundamental human communication principles serves to explain, comprehend, and foster business relationships. The texts included in this book cover various topics in general and...

The series seeks to illuminate, highlight, and spotlight (intercultural) communication in the world of business. This second volume focuses on China in an intercultural business context. Due to China s growing importance in today s world, it is imperative to obtain some insights into Chinese culture in order to begin to understand Chinese business practices. By examining the issue from a Western and a Chinese perspective, a more comprehensive view becomes possible. What appears baffling to Western managers may become understandable after a comparison with and contrast to the Chinese...

In a globalized economy the importance of intercultural competence is undeniable because culture manifests itself in thinking patterns, decision making processes, behavioral norms as well as beliefs and values. Without an understanding of how culture influences human behavior, misunderstandings are preprogrammed. That is why an understanding of culture has become indispensable in today s global economy. The contributing authors of this volume are all acknowledged experts in the field of intercultural communication. They offer explanations as to how intercultural communication influences,...

Chinese culture has a very long and extraordinary tradition. With China s rapid economic growth and a population of more than one billion people, China has become a very important market for many companies. In order to conduct business in a particular country, it is necessary to also understand the culture of that country. After all, culture influences people s behavior and communication also in the world of business. That is why an understanding of a country s culture is crucial when communicating with all relevant stakeholders including its consumers, businesses, employees, and government...