Globalization has resulted in bringing together people from various countries and cultures in the same work environment, making cross-cultural business communication an important field of research. In this paper, the influence of cultural differences on intercultural communication in global organizations is analyzed and effective communication strategies in cross-cultural business communication are offered. The paper is based on the analysis of existing literature on culture, intercultural communication and international management by means of applying such cultural models as Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, high-context and low-context communication proposed by Hall, and the results of GLOBE study. It is found out that language, non-verbal communication, attitude to time, hierarchy and negotiation styles are the main factors causing misunderstandings between members of different cultures. The study also highlights that culture awareness training, use of appropriate language, flexible communication styles, flexible policies, diversification of groups, and building up of cultural intelligence are some of the strategies that help in minimizing such misunderstandings. It is evident from the paper that cross-cultural communication competence should be seen as an important organizational competence and not just as a specialized competence for international managers.

KEYWORDS:  Cross-Cultural Communication, Global Business, Cultural Intelligence, Hofstede, Intercultural Competence, Organizational Communication.