Diversity in Global Business

Part 1 

The selected silent language is one of ‘time.” Time is considered as essential for each business whereby distinct cultures and communities portray opposing viewpoints on adhering to time schedules. Worldwide, time serves as a common communication channel when undertaking business negotiations. In the case of the U.S., for instance, a delay when it comes to responding to a communication reveals lack of interest or low priority for allied parties. It can result to serious distractions in the process of negotiation. For the Arab culture, time does not entail fixed schedules, as it is the case with Americans. Time needed for accomplishing a certain task is reliant on relationship that prevails between the involved parties. Additionally, for Ethiopian culture, time needed for making decision revolves around a mutual understanding since it relates on its importance to the individual (Hall, 1960) . From my perspective, I agree that the article, which was published in 1960, is relevant today. The reason for this is that different cultures should understand the perspective of each other concerning time to allow them undertake business negotiations efficiently. Therefore, I agree that understanding differences in global cultures is vital in studying diversity and leadership since they are able to determine how they should approach each other for effective communications and relations.

Part 2 

A life experience that made it possible for me to see myself as similar to a culturally different person than me pertained to me as an American and a Mexican friend concerning consumer choice. While in the U.S., I have various choices available. For instance, as a resident of the U.S., I usually focus on visiting the nearest Walmart store when shopping for grocery. For my Mexican friend, he also does the same thing. He visits the closest retail shop when shopping for groceries. In reflecting on the experience, the major insight I can draw is one attributed to similarity of culture when it comes to consumer choice. Additionally, I believe that gaining insights concerning the cultural preferences of other individuals is vital to understanding the similarities they share.

Reference

Hall, E. T. (1960). The Silent Language in Overseas Business. Harvard Business Review, 38 (3), 87-96. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/1960/05/the-silent-language-in-overseas-business