Culture and Rhetorical Expectations: A Perspective for Technical Communicators
In this article, I discuss how individuals who communicate about technical and scientific topics (i.e., technical communicators) can apply ideas from the theory of rhetoric to communicate more effectively with individuals from other cultures. In so doing, I present a question-based strategy technical communicators can use for planning how they will develop different communication products (e.g., written reports, instructions, websites, etc.) for audiences from cultures other than their own.
Designing Written Business Communication along the Shifting Cultural Continuum
The increasing importance of NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) to the US economy makes understanding Mexico important. Because the histories and cultures of the United States and Mexico differ significantly, written communications also differ. Rhetorical strategies for written business communication in Mexico reflect the country's bloody, cyclical history and its resulting culture characterized by collectivism, high power distances, fatalism, and emphasis on building trust and relationships. Despite Mexico's economic problems, it is a country in transition. Because of the increasing presence of US business entities in Mexico, communication protocols are changing as US technology and ways of doing business infuse the traditional Mexican culture. Understanding how to communicate effectively in Mexico requires understanding its history and culture as well as changes occurring there. US writers must know where any Mexican company is situated along this changing cultural continuum and how the continuum shapes the design of written business communication.
NAFTA: Managing the Cultural Differences
With the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), continued economic and cultural integration in North America are inevitable, and a pro-active stance must be taken towards it. This title should be useful as a companion to those who wish to accept and benefit from the future business and cultural realities to be faced. Beginning with an outline of legislative, social and diplomatic history in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the book then explores the cultural values and subcultures within the three countries, and compares management cultures and work values. Case studies show what works and what doesn't in bulding successful work teams, alliances and joint ventures. The book concludes with insights into negotiating successfully with Canadians, Mexicans and US Americans. A supplemental directory provides names and addresses for detailed trade, market research, legal, financial and government information in each country.