Cross Cultural Communication Consultants
By Neil Payne, Wed Dec 7th
Cross cultural communication consultants have come a long way inthe short period of time such specialists have been in demand.No longer are they expatriates with a few years overseasexperience and the capability to impart their knowledge ontoothers. Cross cultural consultants now bring expertise that isfounded upon a number of key factors. Cross cultural consultants generally have a broad knowledge andexperience of two or more different cultures. This knowledge isthen employed to assist companies and individuals overcomechallenges brought about through cross cultural differences inbusiness. Areas in which assistance is needed may range fromrelocation briefings to company mergers or managementtechniques. The ability to diagnose and treat cross culturalproblems is developed through their experience in a number ofdifferent fields. Academic Knowledge
Cross cultural consultants will generally have an academicbackground either in specific courses such as ‘Cross CulturalCommunication and Trade’ or ‘Cross Cultural Psychology’ or inrelated courses such as ‘International Relations’ or ‘BusinessStudies’. Their studies will equip them with the academic skillsand knowledge of the field that will later be applied in thebusiness context. Business Know-how It is critical for cross cultural consultants to haveconsiderable business experience. If this is lacking thenacademic knowledge is not usually sufficient to understand themechanics of business operations. In order to understand howthings work and the different
challenges facing managers andstaff it is critical to have experienced it first hand. Training Experience Through courses and practical experience a cross culturalconsultant will have knowledge of training techniques. This willinclude communication skills, presentation methods, the use ofactivities and utilization of different technology and media. Living Abroad Experience of living abroad, mixing with different cultures,speaking different languages and working in foreign offices isvital for any cross cultural consultant. Without having beenexposed to a different culture how can one advise on workingeffectively with that culture? It is important that thisemersion in the target culture has been to the extent that thecross cultural consultant can totally empathise with the cultureand understand its dynamics. Speaking a Foreign Language Language carries with it cultural coding. All experts,commentators and linguists are unanimous that without knowledgeof the language the culture can never be appreciated. A crosscultural consultant will therefore have this insider knowledgenot only through living and working in a country but also byusing and understanding the language. The complexity and diversity of cross cultural challenges in theinternational business world is reflected in the broad knowledgeand skills of cross cultural consultants. Drawing on expertisegained through a variety of interrelated fields, the crosscultural consultant is now truly a specialist of greatimportance. About the author:Neil Payne is Director of London based cross culturalcommunications consultancy http://www.kwintessential.co.uk |
