Identify one or more ways that the cultural differences in the scenario you choose lead to miscommunication?

Question

How would you resolve these differences.
(my husband had surgery today and this assignment has to be turned in tonight. I would appreciate any help on this..thank you)


Alan is a US sales representative in Mexico. Hemakes appointments and is careful to be on time.But the person he’s calling on is frequently late. Tosave time, Alan tries to get right to business. But hishosts want to talk about sightseeing and his family.Even worse, his appointments are interruptedconstantly, not only by business phone calls but alsoby long conversations with other people and eventhe customers’ children who come into the office.Alan’s first progress report is very negative. Hehasn’t yet made a sale. Perhaps Mexico just isn’t theright place to sell his company’s products.

Answer 1

One way is obviously the interruptions made from business calls and long calls and his customers children. Another way is from the person(s) he is calling being late so he must have to hurry to get everything he needs to say in a short amount of time obviously leaving out bits and pieces. Also his hosts wanting to talk about everything but business again makes him have to talk quickly leaving out key info. I would say that the cultural differences are that Hispanic or Mexican persons are very family oriented and warm and welcoming more to U.S. wanting to get down to business. Alot of U.S. Businesses do not allow children in the office so maybe another cultural difference is because the Mexican customers are more family oriented the children go with them to alot more outings and business type ordeals. Good Luck!

Answer 2

People from some countries such as Mexico need more time to get to know the people who they do business with (in this case Alan) and by stretching the sale, they are trying to find out more about the Alan. Alan should try to get involved in the conversations and be friendlier to gain their trust. Some people need more time to make up their minds about what they buy rather than in States people are more straight forward.