Problem:
Intercultural sensitivity: recognising differences
You represent a Mauritian computer company which is negotiating to buy hardware from a manufacturer in Japan. In your first meeting, you explain that your company anticipates controlling the production and quality of hardware. The manufacturer’s representative looks down and says softly, “perhaps that will be difficult”. You press for agreement and to emphasise your willingness to purchase, you show the prepared contract which you have brought with you. But the manufacturer seems increasingly uninterested and vague.
Question1. What are the differences which exist in cultures of countries across the world?
Question2. How can you overcome intercultural communication barriers?
Question3. From the above case study, how would you have dealt and communicated with your Japanese counterpart?