On the Familiarity of Strangers

Abstract

Inter-cultural communication is often considered complicated and a source for many problems in international business. Yet, looking at international project industry one can but wonder at how well projects are seen through, even though they involve the most difficult conditions, forcing people from the most differing cultures together. Instead interviews with managers from over 60 countries show issues such as trust and commitment play an important role in international business. Trust is here seen as the way the words and actions of other people and organizations are interpreted. To understand the complexities of intercultural communication, it is argued, it is necessary to look beyond the very physical act and look to its interpretation and the intentions ascribed to it.