Seminar Intercultural Communication

Course content: Seminar on intercultural communication

Basics and challenges of cross-cultural communication

• Importance of cross-cultural communication in globalised business environments
• Learning about the challenges posed by cultural differences and how they influence cooperation
• Examining the concept of culture
• Reflecting on one's own values and views
• Barriers and how to overcome them

Global communication in business

• Getting to know the basics of verbal communication and body language in an international context
• Eye contact and touch as a no-go in many regions of the world
• Taking a closer look at the levels of communication
• Use of pictures, colours and correct use of small talk
• Hierarchies and leadership styles

Cultural dimensions according to Hofstede

• Hofstede's research and the 6 cultural dimensions
• Distribution of power and individualism within a culture
• Masculine and feminine cultures
• Uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation

Typical German values and behaviour patterns

• German cultural standards compared to other cultures
• Direct and clear communication as a recipe for success
• Order, structure and planning - three typically German rules that do not apply everywhere
• Thoroughness and a sense of duty as German quality standards

Getting to know other country profiles

• Explanation of important characteristics and differences based on the country profiles of France, Spain, USA, Mexico, India, China and Arab countries
• Exercise and simulation in an extended round of introductions and a subsequent business game

Your benefit: Seminar on intercultural communication

In the seminar on intercultural communication, the Dr. G. Kitzmann Academy offers those interested the valuable opportunity to deal more intensively with culture-related differences in international cooperation. The focus is on numerous training examples as well as an extended journey into the customs of selected countries.

• In the seminar Intercultural Communication, you will learn about all culture-related differences in selected countries and how to deal with them.
• Actively deal with cultural differences and recognise their impact on cooperation.
• Explore the concept of culture, reflect on your own values and work out strategies to overcome communication barriers.
• Become familiar with the cultural dimensions according to Hofstede and gain an insight into other cultural standards.
• In the seminar, compare typical German values and behaviour patterns with other cultures in order to avoid misunderstandings in the future so that nothing stands in the way of international participation.

Methodology and Didactics: The Seminar Intercultural Communication

The seminar Intercultural Communication offers a multifaceted training that provides both the theoretical foundation and interesting practical examples in a safe framework. In addition, the seminar explains all relevant elements and tried and tested methods for successful international cooperation. This offers you the opportunity to make your communication both more authentic and more respectful and at the same time minimise the risk of getting into trouble on an international level.

Target group of the seminar Intercultural Communication

The seminar Intercultural Communication is aimed at managers and employees alike who often communicate across the borders of their own culture in their everyday work. This does not only apply to field staff, but also to areas such as customer service, research and development, and in individual cases even the merger or takeover of other companies from a foreign culture.

The seminar Intercultural Communication as Inhouse Training

We also offer our seminars as in-house training in the entire DACH and BENELUX region. This enables you to organise further training measures directly at your company location. This eliminates the need to reserve external seminar rooms or coordinate travel. In addition, we give you the freedom to tailor aspects such as language, schedule and content to your individual needs. Contact us, we will be happy to provide you with a non-binding offer: kontakt@drgkitzmann-akademie.de

From the seminar on intercultural communication: Fundamentals of Intercultural Communication

Communication between different cultures poses challenges that go far beyond mere language skills. While verbal messages and communication styles are of central importance, non-verbal signals should not be underestimated. Depending on the culture, these - for example a simple smile or a specific hand movement - can be interpreted and understood differently.

To communicate effectively interculturally, we need to consider not only the obvious messages conveyed through words. It is equally important to pay attention to what is left unsaid and to recognise the meanings hidden between the lines. A deeper understanding of cultural differences and empathy for different perspectives are therefore essential. They significantly influence how professionals and managers from different cultures interact and communicate with each other.

In this complex context of intercultural communication, it is crucial to understand both the language and the subtle cultural nuances that shape the conversation. This is where the seminar intercultural communication supports you. An adaptive mindset, a willingness to continuously adapt and learn, and other aspects are key to success in this field.

Intercultural communication as a key skill

In the business world, communication is the be-all and end-all, especially in a global context. When companies operate across borders, effective and culturally sensitive dialogue with partners, employees, suppliers and customers becomes increasingly important for all involved.

Mastering intercultural communication - characterised by understanding and respect for cultural nuances - is essential in today's business world. Not only does it help prevent misunderstandings and build trust, but it can also be instrumental in closing deals and building lasting, multicultural partnerships.

In an age where a single misunderstood comment or cultural faux pas can mean the difference between success and failure, competence in intercultural communication is priceless. It is not just about being linguistically precise, but more importantly about having a deep understanding of subtleties that are often not explicitly spoken outside of a seminar room. For all those who want to act on the global stage, it is therefore crucial to continuously develop in this area, for example with our seminar on intercultural communication, and to always stay up to date.

Seminar intercultural communication: Barriers in communication

Intercultural communication is a complex art, characterised by a multitude of differences and challenges. Even when individuals use the same language, cultural specificities can cause misunderstandings. Some of the most common barriers are:

1. Linguistic subtleties: Even within a common language, dialects, regional expressions or culturally specific terms can cause confusion. Also, the preferred style of communication may differ depending on the culture.
2. Non-verbal communication: Gestures, facial expressions and eye contact are interpreted differently in different cultures. Behaviour that is seen as a sign of respect in one culture could be misunderstood in another.
3. Perception of time: The meaning of punctuality and the perception of time can vary greatly depending on the culture.
4. Social interaction: Different views on small talk, humour and other forms of social interaction affect communication style and can lead to confusion.
5. Organisation and hierarchy: Different cultures have different views on hierarchies, leadership styles and organisational structures.
6. Value systems: Concepts such as sense of duty, order and structure can vary and thus set different priorities in communication.

Training such as the Dr. G. Kitzmann Academy's seminar on intercultural communication, combined with an open mind and respect for cultural differences, can overcome these barriers. A sound understanding of diverse cultures enables more effective and successful intercultural interactions.