COMMUNICATION IN THE MULTICULTURAL BUSINESS CONTEXT: UAE

Viola Gjylbegaj¹ and Osama Jararaa²*
¹ Assist. Prof. Dr., Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates, viola.gjylbegaj@adu.ac.ae
² Adjuct. Prof., Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates, o.jararaa-adjunct@adu.ac.ae
*Corresponding author

Abstract
Communication is fundamental in business, because business is a collaborative activity. When business negotiators come from cultures with different rules, communication problems may arise. The diversity among business cultures can frequently lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and failures in cross-cultural commercial endeavours. Thus, developing effective business communication skills for a globalized economy is not a simple matter. In this paper will be analysed some common cross-cultural issues for those entrepreneurs developing relationships with individuals or businesses from different cultural backgrounds: Not understanding how formality, hierarchy and timing can affect business. These things have a tremendous impact on negotiations and decision-making. Business often takes longer with different cultures and countries. Many cultures are more team-focused or “we” oriented. These can really impact the business style. In this paper will be examined the case of the United Arab Emirates that is known to be a multicultural country.

Keywords: Communication, multicultural, business, UAE.