Outsourced the film

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Outsourced the Film
Intercultural communication is classified as verbal and non-verbal communication between different groups and between diverse cultural and ethnic groups. Within intercultural communication cross-cultural competence is an essential element that plays a significant role in the level of comprehension between the people that are communicating with one another. Rasmussen defines cross-cultural competence as “the ability to understand people from different cultures and engage with them effectively” (2013). Comprehending the cultures and learning about cultural differences are pertinent to relationship development and rapport building because it provides information to both parties involved that help in the creation and the aid of an effective conversation or interaction. One discipline that intercultural communication may have a direct impact on is in business. In business, it is imperative for those people who are conducting business to have a fluid understanding of what clients, and business associates cultural competencies are; because this knowledge helps to improve business and personal relationships. In this paper, the film “Outsourced” and several literary sources will be used to analyze and show the significance in communication, and cultural rules as it relates to Indian culture; the impact that communication competence has on the communication success, and communication strategies that ameliorate communication between members of diverse populations.

“Outsourced” and Communication Competence
In the film Outsourced, communication and cultural differences were two themes that were consistently presented.
Differences in Communication
            Two differences in communication that presented challenges to the main character, “Mr. Todd” were language barriers and conflicting cultural customs (Jeffcoat). The language barriers that posed a challenge for Mr. Todd were his lack of understanding of Indian customs. Mr. Todd’s limited outlook and resistance to cultural adaptation were two of the prohibitions that plague his communication skills in the film. Initially, he was attempting to force his American beliefs, customs, and language on his subordinates that he supervised in the call center, but after learning about the cultural contrasts and communication styles of the Indian natives, Mr. Todd discovered a multitude of ways that he could effectively communicate with others with Indian background. Hence, the differences in communication related to contradicting perspectives in communicating with others, and acceptable and culturally competent communication strategies.
Cultural differences
One of the major cultural difference that had a direct impact on Mr. Todd’s ability to communicate and build relationships with his coworkers relates to his ethnocentric attitude. Ethnocentric persons view the group that they belong to as the in the group. Anyone who does not fit within the socially acceptable characteristics of the in-group, is subordinate. The members of the in-group display disdain and harbor negative views, behaviors, and attitudes towards members of the out-group (Neuliep). Mr. Todd viewed the employees at the Indian call center as ignorant in regard to having the skills that were necessary for successful sales and communication efforts. On the contrary, after learning about the cultural differences and what deems as acceptable in Indian culture, Mr. Todd discovered that his intercultural comprehension ameliorates the development a clearer, and greater understanding of what is a need for him to effectively communicate with others. Hence, Mr. Todd’s challenges related to cultural differences stemmed from his ethnocentric attitude and actions towards people in the Indian culture. 
Impact that Communication Competence has on the Communication Success
Cultural competence is not limited to the understanding that an individual has of a particular culture or person that differs from their own; but is also inclusive of having the cultural competence of the self. Managing the attitudes, and actions that one displays against a different culture is predominantly possible when one is familiar with the background, customs, and social life of the Indian people (Rasmussen). Communication could be strengthened if Mr. Todd had taken the time to learn about the differences in culture and what is respectful, and acceptable before attempting to make changes to the methods and manners that the Indian people communicated with others. Cultural competence is also a way to meet set goals through the use of communication and rapport building. Mr. Todd was able to form a friendship and understanding of the Indian culture with the help of his colleague Peru. Peru gave Mr. Todd an introduction to a few culturally acceptable customs and conduct that would help him on the journey of cultural competence. In addition to the aforementioned, Mr. Todd also learned a great deal about the pertinence of engaging in open-minded perception and accepting the differences of others. This occurred when he actively engaged in learning about the needs and wants of the people who worked in the call center. Hence, when Mr. Todd became more accepting to diversity and cultural differences; and displayed mindfulness; his communication with his coworkers became more successful. 
Communication Strategies that Ameliorate Communication
Learning, open-mindedness, acceptance, and criticism are four strategies that are very useful when developing strategies that increase communication. Learning about other cultures breaks down borders and reduces challenges related to a lack of understanding of one another’s culture. Having an open mind allows acceptance of others views and beliefs, and criticism improves opportunities for learning about others customs and beliefs. Self-awareness is also a key component that often serves as a limitation to openness, and learning of other groups, cultures, and beliefs. Collectively, communication encourages learning and openness to diverse cultures and populations.
Works Cited
Neulip, James W. “the Relationship among Intercultural Communication Apprehension, Ethnocentrism, Uncertainty Reduction, and Communication Satisfaction during Initial Intercultural Interaction: An Extension of Anxiety and Uncertainty Management (AUM) Theory.” Journal of Intercultural Communication Research (2012): 1-16.
Outsourced. Dir. John Jeffcoat. Perf. Josh Smith Josh Hamilton. 2006.
Rasmussen, Louise. “Cross-Cultural Competence: Engage People from any culture.” Global Cognition (2012): 1-3.