Before we can apply the Professional Communication skills we learnt in ES2007S, we have to secure a job first. The job search process is the bridge connecting our ES2007S course and the actual practice of professional communication.
Increasing number of companies has employed the SHL tests to test the applicant’s numerical analysis and verbal communication skills. In addition, there are also personality tests to test whether the applicant’s personality fits the company’s culture. Although, these tests have made the job application process even more complicated and troublesome, it helps the company to sieve out the perfect candidate for the job.
Regarding the personality tests, it raises a question: “Should we answer the questions according to our real thought or should we answer it according to the company’s requirement?”
If we answer it according to our real thought, there is a risk that our personality does not match the company’s requirement and we will fail the personality test and lose the job.
To get short listed, we can answer the test in a manner to suit the company’s interest. The repercussion behind this is that after we join the company we may suffer conflicts between our own personality and the working culture.
The same question applies to the interview process, should we just be ourselves or should we pretend to be someone else in order to get the job?
2009年3月13日星期五
2009年3月1日星期日
intercultural communication
Here is what an American experienced on his first business trip to Tokyo:
When he first met the Japanese counterpart, a beautiful young lady, out of business etiquette the American initiated a handshake after self introduction. But his gentle manner was turned down by a 90 degree bow made by the Japanese lady. He felt embarrassed being left there standing alone with a hand waving in the air. But quickly he realized that actually the Japanese lady is bowing to show her respect to him. “While in Rome do as Rome does” as he thought, he bowed to the Japanese lady in return. But this time he found himself even weirder: his attempt to keep eye contact with the Japanese lady made him bowing down with his face up. In addition, he was unsure how long he should keep his head down.
Although it was awkward at the start, they got along well on the project. Then went it was time for lunch! He was being brought to a famous ramen restaurant by his Japanese colleagues. He was shocked by the loud noise all the Japanese people were making when eating ramen. Being not used to chopsticks, he used a fork to eat the noodles and tried making some noise.
Then he realized there were people staring at him, which made him felt uncomfortable. “Did I get anything on my face?” he wondered. However, there was nothing on his face just that he was eating too quietly. Although making noise while eating is considered rude in the US. In Japan making loud noise when eating ramen is a way to show their appreciation to the chef and to deliver the message that the noodles are savory. Our American friend’s trying to be polite turned out to be just impolite in this eastern country.
Therefore in order to communicate effectively with people from a different culture. It is necessary to learn each other’s culture norm and etiquette, and follow the local practice.
When he first met the Japanese counterpart, a beautiful young lady, out of business etiquette the American initiated a handshake after self introduction. But his gentle manner was turned down by a 90 degree bow made by the Japanese lady. He felt embarrassed being left there standing alone with a hand waving in the air. But quickly he realized that actually the Japanese lady is bowing to show her respect to him. “While in Rome do as Rome does” as he thought, he bowed to the Japanese lady in return. But this time he found himself even weirder: his attempt to keep eye contact with the Japanese lady made him bowing down with his face up. In addition, he was unsure how long he should keep his head down.
Although it was awkward at the start, they got along well on the project. Then went it was time for lunch! He was being brought to a famous ramen restaurant by his Japanese colleagues. He was shocked by the loud noise all the Japanese people were making when eating ramen. Being not used to chopsticks, he used a fork to eat the noodles and tried making some noise.
Then he realized there were people staring at him, which made him felt uncomfortable. “Did I get anything on my face?” he wondered. However, there was nothing on his face just that he was eating too quietly. Although making noise while eating is considered rude in the US. In Japan making loud noise when eating ramen is a way to show their appreciation to the chef and to deliver the message that the noodles are savory. Our American friend’s trying to be polite turned out to be just impolite in this eastern country.
Therefore in order to communicate effectively with people from a different culture. It is necessary to learn each other’s culture norm and etiquette, and follow the local practice.
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