We live in a world where doing business in other countries isn’t as complicated as it once was. Technology has allowed us to easily communicate with people in other countries and the cost of doing business across the globe is affordable to many more organization than it was in years past. Companies now have employees as well as customers in countries around the world.

This globalization is exciting and brings with it some challenges. In this article we will be discussing how to communicate and work with employees and customers in other countries. Even if this doesn’t apply to you today, take the time to read the article. You never know what opportunities are around the corner.

What are the challenges?

Whether they are employees or customers, working with people in different countries brings new challenges. Each country has its own culture and way of doing business. There are customs that exist you need to understand and respect. Clearly language barriers can be an issue and at least as important is learning what is acceptable to say, and what is not.

Let’s look at some of the things to consider when working with people in different countries.

1. Employee & company loyalty. In the United States people change jobs all the time and company loyalty is not necessarily expected or valued. Not so in other countries and knowing what is generally accepted in that country may be important if you have employees there.  For example I worked with several organizations in Japan. I found many people would join a company and stay till they retire.  Those same companies are not as quick to dismiss employees for poor or substandard performance.  What’s tolerated there wouldn’t be in the United States. 

2. Way of doing business. Understanding the culture and customs of different countries is important in working with employees and customers.  Consider everything from what they consider appropriate dress codes, to standard business hours, PTO, how you greet people and other social standards, laws,  food and others.  Respect may be part of the culture. Expectations around work commitment need to be considered.  There are so many areas to learn about that will impact the relationships you have. 

3. Language & communication. Of course if you don’t speak their native language and they don’t speak yours an interpreter is necessary. But language goes beyond this. It includes understanding what is acceptable to say or not. It can include the pace of your sentences or the words you use.  What methods of communication are acceptable for business? In the United States we tend to be more casual.  Text messages may be acceptable or a two sentence email that doesn’t include a salutation.  This may not be so in other countries.   Sometimes people can speak or understand a language verbally better than they can write.  How does this impact the interactions?  

4. Formal or not. What do you call them? By their first name or Mr./Mrs. or something else?  When you meet someone do you shake hands, bow or something else?  Is it different based on age or gender?  Certain topics may be taboo that in the United States aren’t. Is it okay to hug someone?  You may need to be careful about how much you share about yourself personally, especially early on in the relationships. 

5. Time zones. Be sensitive to time zones. Eight AM your time could be 10 PM in Asia.  You don’t want to schedule a meeting that requires someone to be up in the middle of the night.  Plus understanding if thy change time in the spring and fall, and how what that means to time differentials.  Since countries are different in what they consider ‘standard business hours’ it’s important you know this for scheduling meetings.  

Learning how to communicate with people in other countries is essential as the world becomes more connected through technology, and doing business with people across the globe has few barriers. There’s a lot to learn about working with people in other countries. Clearly this list isn’t complete, nor is it meant to be. It’s a starting point to get you thinking.

A great way to consider how to communicate with others around the globe is to begin by understanding how you currently communicate. 

Our individual communication styles can help us achieve what we want, and at times get in our way.  Take our communication quiz by clicking the link below and find out what type of communicator you are.