International Business Case Study: Communication Across Cultures
| Charles Foster Sends and Email | Exam 1 | | Richard Greer | 9/26/2012 |
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The case, Charles Foster sends an email, is a perfect example of the how globalization and increased cross cultural interaction is increasing the complexity and ambiguity facing the managers of large multinational companies. The specific focus of this case is to address the repercussions that can occur by using inadequate communication methods, given the importance and complexity of a situation. Also, the case addresses the possibility of cross cultural communication misinterpretation leading to confusion and confrontation amongst the parties involved. The objective of this qualitative analysis is to utilize both theory and practical knowledge to identify the combination of visual and intrinsic factors which directly affected the actions and reactions of the individuals involved in the email chain. Charles Foster’s, the US Director of Sales for High Technology Partners (HTC), composes an email in order to address some critical issues, which he believes, are threatening the supply of XD19 disk drives as well as the importance of resolving these issues. Foster decided to voice his concerns after several failed attempts were made in previous months to address the issues causing the lack of supply. Also, Foster felt that because the XD19 product line had just been launched, and given the fact it is a “core product” he was “scared” that the inability to meet consumer demand would eliminate any momentum the XD19 had gained. Foster believed the loss of momentum would be caused both internally due to shifting product line focus and externally due to the extensive amount of alternative products offered to both consumers and distributors as a result of the highly competitive US information technology market. The content of Foster’s email is very direct and critical of the joint ventures manufacturing operations process and directly states two main causes of
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The case, Charles Foster sends an email, is a perfect example of the how globalization and increased cross cultural interaction is increasing the complexity and ambiguity facing the managers of large multinational companies. The specific focus of this case is to address the repercussions that can occur by using inadequate communication methods, given the importance and complexity of a situation. Also, the case addresses the possibility of cross cultural communication misinterpretation leading to confusion and confrontation amongst the parties involved. The objective of this qualitative analysis is to utilize both theory and practical knowledge to identify the combination of visual and intrinsic factors which directly affected the actions and reactions of the individuals involved in the email chain. Charles Foster’s, the US Director of Sales for High Technology Partners (HTC), composes an email in order to address some critical issues, which he believes, are threatening the supply of XD19 disk drives as well as the importance of resolving these issues. Foster decided to voice his concerns after several failed attempts were made in previous months to address the issues causing the lack of supply. Also, Foster felt that because the XD19 product line had just been launched, and given the fact it is a “core product” he was “scared” that the inability to meet consumer demand would eliminate any momentum the XD19 had gained. Foster believed the loss of momentum would be caused both internally due to shifting product line focus and externally due to the extensive amount of alternative products offered to both consumers and distributors as a result of the highly competitive US information technology market. The content of Foster’s email is very direct and critical of the joint ventures manufacturing operations process and directly states two main causes of