Case Study: The Ten Commandments For Avoiding Intercultural Communication

Words: 4545
Pages: 19

1 Introduction

G.K. Chesterton, a british novelist, poet and critic once said: "They say travel broadens the mind; but you must have the mind." (Source (1))
Mr Chesterton made a good statement considering the business world's increasing globalization where an understanding of international protocol has become more a necessity than a choice. The way to understand and being sensitive towards different cultures is just as important as business know how when it comes to being successful in international business. Successful executives understand the importance of being sensitive to business as well as social customs of the countries they are negotiating and working with. They are able to adjust to the culture-specific etiquette and are

This communal spirit you can also find in the countries flag, which consists of two equal horizontal bands of red and white. The red color symbolizes brotherhood and equality between the people of Singapore and the lower white part symbolizes purity and integrity. Near the hoist side of the red band is a vertical white crescent partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle.
The five stars symbolize the five ideals of the state: democracy, peace, equity, justice and development. The crescent symbolizes the young rising generation.

Population
If there is such thing as a melting pot in Asia it is Singapore.
In 1819, when Sir Raffles arrived on the island only a few malayan fishermen lived there. To establish a successful trade center the British allowed immigration from China. Later during the time of colonial administration Indians and Ceylonese immigrated to Singapore. Immigrants arrived and still arrive from Malaysia hoping to find economic wealth.
In July of 2005 the population of Singapore was estimated at 4,425,720. The majority of the population are Chinese with 77%, Malays make up to 14%, Indians 7%, and there are smaller numbers of Pakistanis, Ceylonese, Arabs, Jews, Armenians and Vietnamese. Even though each of these cultures reflect separate ethnic backgrounds in terms of attitudes, customs and mannerism, they