The Ankara Center for Crisis and Political Studies (ANKASAM) presents its interview with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maganat Shegebayev from Kazakhstan’s KIMEP University, focusing on methods for effective communication with business partners from diverse cultural backgrounds in a globalized world. The discussion explores the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on intercultural business communication and examines the most suitable communication styles for building trust.
1. In your opinion, what are the best ways to establish effective communication with business partners from different cultural backgrounds?
In our rapidly globalizing yet very diverse world today, the best way to establish effective communication is first of all to refer to our traditional, human, soft skills which are commonly shared across any culture and society. Those skills include but are not limited to showing mutual respect, active listening, expressing empathy, and applying emotional intelligence. Of course, there are some specifics that we need to be aware of; for instance, cultural attributes (e.g. low or high context culture, etc.), non-verbal means of communication, initiating and leading a conversation, and many others that may vary from culture to culture. Nevertheless, foundational human skills play a very important role. I believe these skills can be mastered and developed throughout life as part of continuous learning and development. This is why the role of local culture, social institutions, and educational establishments is very important as they set the standards and serve as models for successful communication patterns.
2. Based on your experience, how do digitalization and artificial intelligence impact intercultural business communication?
I think technological advancements should not be viewed as threat but opportunity. If we look back in the last hundred years, various gadgets of media and communication did not really substitute the need for networking. They enhance it by making it easier, faster, and interactive; yet the need for true human interaction is still there and will always be. This could be compared to sending heartfelt handwritten postcards in the era of formal emails and messengers. As any highly advantaged technological tools, digital or AI products can expand communication possibilities across new levels, distances, and realities (for example, via good quality synchronized translations or augmented work document functions) but it is still a human’s job to ensure linguistic, ethical, and cultural subtleties of communication.
3. In your view, what kind of communication style should be used to build trust among teams from different cultural backgrounds?
In a professional setting, effective communication and networking among individuals or teams from diverse cultural backgrounds require the following key elements:
- Trust
- Transparency
- Mutual respect
- Courtesy
Will be a winning strategy for people or teams from different cultural backgrounds. This may require raising cultural awareness and learning languages, reading, analyzing, practically applying gained skills, and many other activities. However, these efforts will be rewarding in a long run not merely by giving you a competitive advantage but by letting you become a true citizen of the world.
