Report of Culture Interview
We have done the interview on April 24, 2014 with Sophie from America. Culture is everywhere. It is a topic that we will never avoid. Maybe the concept of culture is abroad. But when divided into parts, it is simple for us to understand. Following I will e xplain my topic “Non-verbal Communication” and “Global Marketing”
First, “Non-verbal Communication” While referred to non-verbal communication, we may strike to gestures, another word, body language. It means that we speak with our vocal organs we converse with our whole bodies. You may have seen some gestures, such as “victory” “happy” “sad”… Here I want to explain some gestures that I have learned from my foreign teacher who is from America. For example, put your middle finger on your index finger, which means “good luck”. Clapping with someone when you win a game or others, which means “well done”. Tapping your fist with others, which means “good friends”. Using your middle finger and index finger like a scissor before your eyes, which means “I see you”. Isn‟t it interesting?
Sometimes the same gestures means different in different countries. If we can‟t know othercountries …culture. We may cause confusion in business. More seriously, we might lose important clients. I would suggest some strategies of dealing with non-verbal communication in business. First, do good homework on non-verbal before making business with people from different cultures. Better preparation would be reward with more agreeable interaction. Second, don‟t take everything neither for g ranted nor too seriously. Third, focus on the partner‟s behaviors and response so as to adjust one‟s own behavior. Forth, ask for explanation or get a chance to explain. Second, “Global Marketing” Globalization has been an unavoided tendency. Through this we can touch something we haven‟t ever seen in our country. Such as McDonald, KFC, Pepsi Cola, which have rolled up like a mat in China. Just McDonald, it is set up in 1950s, in 1987 entered China. It is obvious that it has been thriving over the past years. Before entering China, it has done full homework about Chinese lifestyle, eating habits, custom… in a word, culture. You can see the appearance of its special shops; they are respectively different in different countries. In China its main colors
are red and yellow, which fit Chinese tradition. And the slogan is also different. In China, “I‟m lovein it”, which reveals that Chinese love family. Moreover, their special foods are almost different. Also in America, they mainly target low-salary people, but in China they aim to young people. All of these differences depend on culture shock. What is more important is localization. Localization means attach the local features to its own specialties. Just like McDonald, as it combines the local features with its own specialties, it has succeeded in world. Only brand features fit the native custom, the industry can operate well. Otherwise, it will exit the predicted market even lose it. As you know globalization strategies has transferred from 4Ps to 4Cs. A good brand strategy must concentrate on customer even potential market.
Enclosure: 1. Picture with Sophie
2. Interview Questions
Appendix 1 picture with Sophie
Appendix 2 Interview Questions
1.In a business meeting, when introducing, is hosting side first or visiting side first
in America?
2.What will you do when good friends drop on you without any appointments?
3.Would you like to show us some gestures, such as victory, happy, sad….
4.Have you felt uncomfortable since you come to China?
5.How did you overcome bad feelings?
6.Do the women have the same status with man or do they take important positions
in America?
7.Could you explain differences between men and women in social works?
8.Did you experience negotiations with others?
9.What do you think about globalization on business?
10.Have you found some similarities between Chinese and American?
11.Are there any things out of your expectations in China?
12.What do you like best in China?。