BUSINES COMMUNICATION ASSIGNMENT

SUBMITTED TO: MS. SMRITA SINHA

SUBMITTED BY: NEHA DUJARI MBA-HR SEC- C ROLL NO. 25 A0102309059

CULTURE SHOCK Culture shock isn't a clinical term or medical condition. It's simply a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings a person may have after leaving a familiar culture to live in a new and different culture. When you move to a new place, you're bound to face a lot of changes. That can be exciting and stimulating, but it can also be overwhelming. You may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, and want to go home. 'Culture shock' is used to describe the emotional rollercoaster that someone experiences when living in a new country. Anyone that has worked and lived in a foreign country will experience culture shock of some sort. VARIOUS STAGES OF CULTURAL SHOCK Experts agree that culture shock has stages and all agree that once people get beyond the initial and most difficult stages, life in a new country or place becomes a lot better. Stage 1 Excitement The individual experiences a holiday or 'honeymoon' period with their new surroundings. They: Feel very positive about the culture. Are overwhelmed with impressions. Find the new culture exotic and are fascinated. Are passive, meaning they have little experience of the culture.

Stage 2 - Withdrawal The individual now has some more face to face experience of the culture and starts to find things different, strange and frustrating. They: Find the behavior of the people unusual and unpredictable. Begin to dislike the culture and react negatively to the behavior.

Feel anxious. Start to withdraw. Begin to criticize, mock or show animosity to the people.

Stage 3 Adjustment The individual now has a routine, feels more settled and is more confident in dealing with the new culture. They: Understand and accept the behavior of the people Feel less isolated Regains their sense of humor

Stage 4 - Enthusiasm The individual now feels 'at home. They: Enjoy being in the culture Functions well in the culture Prefer certain cultural traits of the new culture rather than their own Adopt certain behaviors from the new culture

COPING STRATEGIES In today's global economy, where major firms have branches in most areas of the world, many more people than ever before contemplate living in another country. For some this means a job in a country with the same first language, but for most the first language of the country will be different. This is especially true of non-native English speakers. The culture of the host country may also be very different, even when the shift is to a country

with the same lingual background. These factors lead to a condition referred to as culture shock. The simple fact is that everyone who lives in a country with a different language will suffer from some form of culture shock. Although the conclusions appear to have validity for people who move to a country with the same first language, theorists regard the different lingual background as the vital factor in causing culture shock. The secret to dealing with it lies in recognizing the symptoms and being aware of the approaches that will lessen its effect. Some of the strategies that one can follow while coping with culture shock are as follows: The most important factor in coping with culture shock is to accept that, however well you prepare, it will affect you to some extent. As Schumann found in the course of his research, the four stages outlined above can never be avoided, but the length of time spent in each of the stages can be greatly reduced by taking certain courses of action. Firstly, the would-be immigrant should study the culture and language of their intended destination. This may sound obvious, but in the maelstrom of moving and sorting out affairs it is often forgotten. Even having a few words of the target language can help smooth your path in the early days. Also the realisation that there is a negative side to your destination can help to lessen the effect of the euphoric stage. When the hostile stage overtakes the recently-arrived traveller it is pointless trying to fight through it. Although it seems counter-productive it is actually important to immerse yourself in your home culture. The hostile stage is an expression of the confusion of identity that overtakes a person adjusting to a new culture. To lessen the effect of this confusion, the new arrival should allow themselves to reconnect with their home culture. As well as this, elements of the host culture should be actively enjoyed, and the friendship of one or two colleagues can be cultivated. This reminds the traveller that there are positive aspects of the host culture to be appreciated. The acceptance stage is a marvelous period of discovery that allows the cultural explorer to appreciate and learn from the differences between the host and the home culture. The reverse culture shock can be dealt with in part by studying the home culture as

assiduously the host culture. In the period between departure and return a number of things may have changed, especially if a number of years have elapsed. The would-be returnee should find out what these changes are. On a more personal note the returnee should get back in touch with old friends and organize to meet them upon their return. Be prepared to find that they have changed markedly, or indeed that they have not changed at all. Some of them may want to hear all about the experiences you had, whilst others will take a polite interest then show irritation as you continue to talk about 'When I was in... ' If the returnee finds out that the former home culture seems more foreign than the one left behind then it may be that another trip abroad is required! Foreign travel can be the most rewarding experience imaginable but it can also be very difficult. Preparation can offset the majority of problems but the clever immigrant will just see any problems as a learning opportunity. Once culture shock is prepared for it becomes part of the rich tapestry of life in another country that, it should always be remembered, is a privilege.