 |
 |
|
|
Conducting interviews in foreign markets
By: NC
(NC)—Interviews can be an essential element of an exporter's primary market research. They are used to gather valuable information directly from potential customers, clients and other sources. Understanding the challenges of interviewing people of differing cultures will improve your chances of getting the information you require:
1. Prepare in advance. Learn the proper pronunciation of names, countries, cities, or other places you will be mentioning. In this way, you are less likely to confuse or insult the person you are interviewing.
2. Communicate your objectives clearly. Establish your company's objectives prior to initiating the interview and present your questions in a clear and concise manner.
3. Avoid slang, regional or industry jargon. It may not be understood by other cultures. Worse yet, it may have a different meaning altogether.
4. Avoid getting too personal too quickly. Let the other person take the lead in this regard. You may be asked personal questions but do not initiate such a discussion.
5. If you are communicating in person, discreetly observe the individual's body language for clues regarding his feelings to your questions. Body language is also considered more significant in some cultures (Greece and Italy for example) than others.
6. Pace your speech. This will assist the person with whom you are speaking if his or her first language is different than that in which you are conducting the interview.
7. Respect age, rank and titles. In many nations, age and hierarchical position in an organization are the gauges for respect. You may need to present yourself as a peer or equal in order to obtain an audience.
Thinking about exporting? Call Team Canada Inc's toll-free Export Information Service at 1 888 811-1119 or log on to exportsource.ca/stepbystep for your copy of the Step-by Step Guide to Exporting.
- News Canada
About the author:
News Canada
| | | | |