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Intercultural communication: a comparative study of Japanese and South African work practice

Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Science
University of Zululand, 2011. / The rapid increase in business globalisation has brought with it an increased need for effective international working. As a result, businesses demand a global mindset from their workforce in order for the organisation to efficiently reach their goals (Chaney & Martin, 2011:4).
This study aims to assist international organisations and their employees, by providing guidelines for conducting business specifically in Japan and South Africa. It focuses on existing models and theories regarding intercultural communication and compares cultures in South Africa and Japan with a special focus on the work practice. It examines areas of culture, communication, globalisation and cultural transformations in today‟s society. Social customs and business etiquette are also outlined and some specialties for each country are specified.
This study also explores how advanced technology and the media are vital components of intercultural communication, used to influence communication across cultures and across geographical locations (Steinberg, 2007:15).
The findings of this study aim to improve intercultural competence in both national and international organisations. Hence, management within these organisations should examine the limitations pointed out in this research study and change their policies and procedures to promote and encapsulate a more intercultural and global environment.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uzulu/oai:uzspace.unizulu.ac.za:10530/593
Date January 2011
CreatorsNaidoo, Paulene
ContributorsRugbeer, H., Rugbeer, Y.
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Formatapplication/pdf

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