India Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

India - Essay Example The modern and internet technology have opened up new marketplaces that allow us to conduct and promote businesses to new cultures and geographic locations (Vilanilam 39). In order to understand the importance of individual cultural values, beliefs and attitudes, this paper will discuss the about how India as a country communicates in business setting and leisure setting. India is a South Asian country and is the second-most populous country and the seventh-largest country by area. It is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, and pluralistic society. It is home to two major families of language: Indo-Aryan, which is spoken by about 74 percent of the country’s population, and Dravidian spoken by about 24 percent of the country’s population (Singh 12). It has no national language but Hindi, which is spoken, by the largest number of speakers is the official government language. English is extensively used in administration and business and has the â€Å"subsidiary official languag e† status, and it is an important medium of education in the country (Vilanilam 64). Indian culture is one of the richest and oldest and it spans over 4,500 years. Indian culture is founded on Hindu mythology, literature, and philosophy, as well as many practices and beliefs that still exist presently including moksa, karma, dharma, and yoga. India has religious diversity with major religions including Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism, Islam, and Sikhism. It is important to note that Hinduism is the predominant religion in the country. India is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse places in the world; its diverse cultures are a product of numerous migration waves over thousands of years (Storti 27). Considering the ethnic, cultural, religious, and linguistic nature of the Indian society, it is important to understand the importance of individual cultural values, beliefs, and attitudes and how the country communicates in business setting and leisure setting. For com munication purposes, one should understand the hierarchical nature of the Indian society, which demands that the employer or the boss is recognized as the highest individual in authority within a business setting (Vilanilam 101). As such, one should aim at those in the highest authority position when establishing contacts because decisions are only made at that level. This may also be evidenced by the fact that subordinates may be reluctant in accepting responsibility during communication. In addition, one should understand that while communicating in business and leisure setting, establishment of relationships in the Indian society is very important (Singh 77). Often, in the Indian society friendship forms the basis for business and leisure activities. Indian people are often reluctant to do business with strangers and therefore it is important for one to establish relationships directly or indirectly by making contact through intermediaries before engaging in any meaningful busine ss or leisure interaction and activities. In business and even in leisure setting one should take plenty of time in building up trust before starting off. It is also important that one maintain harmony, and try as much as possible to avoid confrontation and conflict during discussions (Storti 95). While in business setting and leisure setting, one should consider other cultural aspects during communication. For example, while Indians appreciate punctuality, they