Eight Mistakes to Avoid in Inter-cultural Negotiation:

1. Avoid looking at everything from your own definition of what is “rational,” “logical” and “scientific.”
2. Avoid pressuring the other party with a point that he/she is not readily prepared to accept; wait for a more favorable time.
3. Avoid looking at issues from the narrow perspective of self-interest.
4. Avoid asking for concessions or compromised which are politically or culturally sensitive; you will not succeed with this kind of approach.
5. Avoid adhering to your agenda if the other party appears to have a different set of priorities.
6. Avoid speaking in jargon (i.e. using colloquialisms), which can confuse the other party and even create a feeling of mistrust.
7. Avoid passing over levels of authority in manners that compromise the sensibilities of middle level officials. The top tier of the hierarchy may have the power to commit the organization or governing entity, but implementation will require the support of people at intermediate and lower levels.
8. Avoid asking for a decision when you know that the other party is not able to commit.

The Four Levels of Inter-cultural Competence:


Whether a person is working or living abroad for personal or professional reasons, cultural transition requires inter-cultural competence. Following is a brief list of the four cardinal inter-cultural competencies required of travelers:

1. Open mindedness and an open attitude: Develop a sense of receptivity to cross-cultural learning.
2. Self-Awareness and other-awareness: Identify key differences between self and others.
3. Cultural Knowledge: Establish awareness in a solid base of cultural knowledge.
4. Cross-cultural skills: Acquire proficiencies that build on intercultural effectiveness.

Royston