Cross-Cultural Communication Do Icelanders have the ... - Skemman

LOK 2106 University of Akureyri
written and verbal communication along with personal interaction as well as
listing up the company’s literature and supporting material.
Then the report makes recommendations about those issues in the light of
whether the countries are deal-focused or relation-focused as well as how
the country is defined according to Hofstedes dimensions. Followed by
practical issues such as what is appropriate to do or say in concerned
country. Finally the report gives information about further remedial actions
and possible sources of available help such as the services of Intercultural
Centres, books of interest, courses in language and the importance of
making a communications strategy. It identifies obstacles and creates a
complete solution regarding the languages and cultures of clients while
providing a comprehensive solution to the staff. A recent co-operative
venture between Iceland Trade Council and InterAct International, the
INTERCOMM project has resulted in the production of a CD containing
material relating to intercultural communication training which companies
can use on their own to assist and prepare employees involved in
international business operations or preparing for a stay abroad (Guðjón
Svansson, verbal reference, March 9th 2005).
2.3.2 Companies
In spring 2005 approx. 70 export companies in Iceland are being
interviewed by the CEReS team, in order to find out possible barriers in
their intercultural communication and how they react to those problems. The
survey also contains questions regarding cross-cultural education which the
companies may offer their employees. When almost half of the companies
have replied, the results are that 17% offer their employees some education
in cross-cultural communication but very few companies enlighten their
employees, who move abroad to work for the company, about culture shock
or help their families in that respect, if they move too.
2.3.3 The Icelandic Red Cross - Intercultural Centres
One of the objectives of the Red Cross is to inspire mutual understanding,
friendship, cooperation and lasting peace among nations.
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