Question

Please explain in 150 words:

How does ethnocentrism create barriers to communication? What strategies can you use to overcome the barriers?

Answer 1

Ethnocentrism is the predisposition to assess the beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors of culture as logical, positive as compare to others. Thus, there are instances ethnocentrism create barriers to communication with individuals who are culturally different from one another. This makes hostility for the external group and an individual may not be able see other perspectives, ways and values. Based on the Ethnocentrism continuum, it varies depend on the focus is on which group. Therefore, degree of ethnocentrism impacts individual’s communication interactions. In the international business some of the variables such as language, environment, social history, technology, etc. creates barriers to communication. Some of the strategies use to overcome the barriers are, such as , learn about the other culture, more interaction with the individuals from different culture without assessing them, have a open minded discussion with others on their culture and this would help in greater understanding, learn new languages, being respectful to other, research on other’s culture or business etiquette and their sensitivities, and history.