"As the world grows in global trade, travel and friendship, it is important to learn about other cultures so that we can resolve conflicts peacefully and experience the best each culture has to offer." Michele Carlson, Circles of Seven Magazine September/October 2009 edition.
It has been said that the world is shrinking; I think the world has already shrunk. The internet makes it possible to develop friendships across the globe through forums, Facebook, and Twitter; while business is frequently done face-to-face across the world through the invention of communication tools like Skype(tm).
This global expansion makes it necessary for all sides to make certain they communicate in a way that is not misunderstood by their listener. In the world of intercultural communication, little things mean a lot. Little things (like looking directly - or not directly - into someones eyes when talking) can convey respect, or indifference, and these little things can make or break any deal. Therefore it is important to realize what cultural expectations are (on all sides) in order to avoid an inadvertent offense in business or personal settings.
Broadening ones perception to understand where another culture is coming from, does not mean we have to give up our own belief systems. It is simply good business to understand our market place, and today, our market place is the world.
Learning about new cultures helps us expand our markets and services into areas we never dreamed of, thus creating mutually benefitical opportunities , and prosperity, for all.
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