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Craig 1979 Culture Shock

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Craig 1979 Culture Shock
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FL 017 342
Waltman, John L.
Culture Shock as a Barrier to Intercultural Business
Ccmmunication.
May 87 llp.; In: Languages and Communication for World
Business and the Professions. Conference Proceedings; see FL 017 281.
Information Analyses (070) -- Viewpoints (120) -Speeches /Conference Papers (150)

MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.
*Business Communication; *Communication Problems;
*Cross Cultural Studies; *Cross Cultural Training;
*Culture Conflict; Higher Euucation; Intercultural
Communication; Languages for Special Purposes;
Travel

ABSTRACT
The phenomenon of culture shock as it affects intercultural business communication is examined. The symptoms of the syndrome and its effects on the business traveler and his/her business are discussed. Flaws in current training that increase rather than reduce the impact of culture shock are explored. It is suggested that much training prepares prospective international travelers for only the most basic functions without touching on the areas that will enhance or reduce communication, or equipping them to do business effectively and cope with an alien environment.
Recommendations for improving cross-cultural training are made.
Information is drawn from research on culture shock and information theory and from personal experience with culture shock. (MSE)

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005

CULTURE SHOCK AS A BARRIER TO INTERCULTURAL
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

by
John L. Waltman, Ph.D.
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197

Presented at the Sixth Annual Conference on Lang ,ages and Communication for World Business and the Professions sponsored by Eastern Michigan University
Ann Arbor, Michigan, May 7-9, 1987

U.S. DEPARTMENT


References: Communication Annual, 4 (1977), pp. 45-50. Transaction-Interactional Communication Association, 1979, p Books International, 1979. Communications A Guide to Men of Action, ' fiuman OraanizatIon, 19, (1966), pp Hays, Richard D., Business Horizons, June, 1972, pp Overseas, ' Personnel, 48 (January-February, 1971), Environments," Practical Anthr000loov, 1961, pp. 177-182. Rahlm, Afzalur, 'A Model for Developing Key Expatriate Executives, ' Personnel Journal, April, 1983, pp Publishing Co., Inc., 1976. 'Wadsworth. 1981. Communication, ' International and Intercultural Communication Annual, 4 (1977), pp
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