Developing International Management Communication Competence

Abstract

The interactive processes of effective global managers need to be explored to identify, describe, and apply concepts supporting international management communication competence. This article synthesizes various theoretical approaches and concepts central to communication competence, simultaneously interspersing this framework with illustrations in the context of international management. Its purpose is to provide information that is useful for developing research questions, pedagogical models, or effective management communication practices. International management communication competence is a cognitive process that involves acquiring (1) cultural awareness and understanding, (2) language knowledge (verbal and nonverbal), and (3) the motivation to use cultural awareness for the development of global business relationships. This process develops in two stages: enculturation within one's native society and realization of the reality, validity, and distinctiveness of other cultural values and norms.