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CMA Foundation · Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication · Intercultural and International Business Communication

During a video call, an Indian executive notices that his Chinese counterpart nods often but later fails to act on the points discussed. Which approach best improves understanding in such a situation?

Paraphrasing the key points and asking open-ended questions is best. A nod may only show politeness or attention rather than agreement in some cultures, so seeking feedback confirms whether the message has really been understood and will be acted upon.

  1. ATreat every nod as firm agreement and move on
  2. BParaphrase the key points and ask open questions to confirm real understandingCorrect
  3. CSpeak louder and faster so that the message is clear
  4. DEnd the call and avoid future calls with the counterpart

Explanation

In some cultures a nod signals attentive listening or politeness, not agreement. Paraphrasing and asking open questions checks comprehension through feedback. Treating nods as agreement repeats the error, and speaking faster or louder does not help.

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