Changing Methods Of Communication example essay topic

Introduction In business, successful communication is the key to success, and being able to relate to a customer is the best form of communication. This is why cross-cultural communication is so important as the business world continues to globalize itself. Unfortunately, "A lack of awareness about the culturally prescribed rules and norms of communication behaviors can cause public relations projects to fail, or worse, backfire". (Zaharna, 2001, p. 135).

My research is focused on the problems associated with cross-cultural communication and how awareness of culture, language, tradition, and business practices can increase the advantages to globalization. This report will be field specific in the International Beverage industry with my interviews focusing on the communication relationships between H.P. Bulmers, Ireland, which recently decided to move into the United States. I choose this focus due to interest in working in this industry after college, and because I plan to study abroad in Galway, Ireland in the fall of 2002. I plan to outline the major issues that companies must address when dealing with different countries, and then I will create an action plan to help companies solve their communication issues. Methods: For my interview I decided that I would present both sides of a cross-cultural business relationship. To accomplish this I will first interview Mark Woodard, my father, who is Head of Operations in the United States, for H.P. Bulmers.

Next, I will interview John Keyo, the President of Operations in Ireland for a unique examination of European communication. With both interviewees my questions focus on the problems that have developed in the past 2 years since H.P. Bulmers first began communication with the United States. Additionally, with Mr. Keyo my focus is extended to discover if he has experienced any sense of "American arrogance" during his communication. My library research is focused on discovering different success and failures of companies in the past, and to figure out the causes. With this information I will be able to highlight the main problems areas for international communication, and focus on how these issues can be avoided in the future. Findings: "Learning international business practices and customs, communicating clearly and effectively... are crucial preparations... (to) make before leaping abroad".

In my third article I learned about the importance of cultural awareness in the Information Technology Field. Introduction: In every type of business, how people are able to communicate dictates the success of the company. If all aspects of the business are not able to keep each other informed on important issues and breaking news, then the company is destined to fail. For my research report I have decided to focus my efforts on the issue of communication in the Beer Wholesaling industry. For over a year now I have been involved with the beer industry working in both promotions, and in merchandising. Even in that small window of time I have seen forms of communication change.

This change has lead to both the creation, and the solution to many communication problems in this workplace. I plan to study how the changing methods of communication have altered the beer wholesale business, and worked to solve and create problems. Over the past 10 years we have seen a revolution in how people in the work force are able to communicate. First car phones and then cell phones made contacting others much easier, and now computers are affecting everything through email and the Internet. The beer business, much like other business, is built mainly on the strength of communication. Brewers must communicate with wholesalers who in turn must be in constant communication with store owners.

If one of these lines of communications breaks down then a too much beer might be brewed for a season, or a liquor store may end up with too much of one product and not enough of another. The computer age has allowed for information regarding ordering and individual sales to be passed on to those who need it much faster. Owners of liquors stores are now able to keep better track of their inventory, leading to better purchasing and more profit. My hope is that through studying these changes I will discover the problems that computers and cell phones have solved, and to notice new problems that are being caused. Methods and Findings: To further aid myself in this research I have chosen to interview two individuals in the Beer Industry.

My first choice is Rod Lampron, the Head of the Sales Department at Burke Distributing. Mr. Lampron is in the unique situation of having to communicate with both the Breweries and also the store owners. This position will allow myself to hear both sides of the story, and to decipher where the biggest changes have occurred in the business. I plan to focus my questions on the differences in communication in the past 5 years, such as how communication has changed, the effects on profitability, the most common communication issues, and the largest problem that has come from all of the technological advances we have seen in the past 5 years.

My next interview will be with my father, Mark Woodard, the President of US Operations for H.P. Bulmers, Ireland. My father has been in the beer industry for over 25 years and has seen communication change from rotary phones and snail mail, to flip cell phones and E-Mail. My father has held many different positions in different companies over the past 25 years and I feel that this will give me a unique angle on the industry. In my father's present position he must deal with both the wholesalers he sells to and also the Brewery in Ireland.

Due to the time it takes to ship product across the Atlantic, there must be constant communication between the United States and Ireland to ensure that there is never a shortage of product. A company can lose even a loyal customer if the individual is not able to find their favorite brand and is forced to turn to alternatives. My main focus with this interview will be how my father meets the challenge of communication with the different individuals and how this has changed with respect to the changes in technology. Citations 1. Arnold, Mitchell D. (1998). Building a truly World Wide Web: a review of the essentials of international communication, vs. 45 n 2,197-207.2.

Burgi, Andreas., & Lichtenberger, Bianca. (1998). Walking the tightrope. (management of international business enterprises). Swiss WORLD, i 6, 38 (2). 3. Jana, Re ena.

(2000). Doing a double take - IT professionals who work abroad often need to re-examine their communication skills, business practices -- and retool. Info World, vs. 22 i 7,100-105.4. Zaharn, a R.S. (2001).

'In-awareness' approach to international public relations. Public Relations Review, vs. 27 i 2 135-152.5. (M.A. Woodard, interview, March 6, 2002).