Useful Advices - Business

Today's competitive global economy results in frequent cross-border movements of staff that results in a growing diversity at the workplace. As the inevitable happens between cultures, breakdowns in communication are

According to USFDA, a combination product is one composed of any combination of a drug and device; biological product and device; drug and biological product

a common occurrence. That is certainly costly to the multinational enterprise in terms of workplace relations, returns and revenues, and customer relationship. Not to mention, the firm's competitive advantage.

As suc

; or drug, device, and biological product and fixed dose combination would include two or more combinations of drug.

Examples of combination products may in

h, three main obstacles to intercultural communication are identified and accordingly expounded further below. It is noteworthy to the International Assignee the consequences if due care is not exercised when interact

lude drug-coated devices, drugs packaged with delivery devices in medical kits, and drugs and devices packaged separately but intended to be used together.

ing with non-native English speakers.

1. Language
* Slang, Jargon
* Dialects, Pidgin
* Accents

The transfer of International Assignees across geographical borders perpetuates the use of the

here is enormous increase in the number of combination products entering the market in the recent years. Combination products have proven advantages but fixe

English language. That has never been as pervasive or as widely, although variations of the language and degree of fluency differ from country to country, individual to individual.

As it is, usage of slang and jargo

d dose combinations are still in the process of convincing regulatory authority on their advantages over the single ingredient formulations.

Combination pro

n - examples: sport, technical - is to be avoided unless the Assignee is very sure the local audience understands them well. Also, the presence of globally known brands, products and services does not mean that the lo

ucts have become life saving products for the pharmaceutical companies who doesn’t have many innovative molecules in their product pipeline and have been inc

cals possess the same level of mindset.

It is therefore imperative that the Assignee be sensitive of both connotations and implications that may arise as a result of local usage; further influenced by the local langu

easingly used in the product life cycle management. Even the companies having product patents are trying to extend their product life cycle through the combi

ages where English is a second or third, or foreign language.

2. Modern Technology
* E-mail
* SMS Text Messaging
* Video Conferencing / Teleconferencing

The advent of modern technology, esp

nation products and maximize the revenues. But the companies involved in this practice are overlooking that they are burdening the patients both economically

ecially the Internet, has made access easier and cheaper to people worldwide such that it helped speed up globalisation. Similarly, the pervasive use of technological tools like Short Message Service [SMS] and e-mail

and physically. They need to rightly judge the benefits of the combination products and they have to even look at the risks involved when combining the produ

amongst locals does not mean that cultural mishaps will not occur.

The difficulty that comes with the aforesaid tools is gauging the recipients' expressions. Their responses could be not what the Assignee expects or

ts. Some of the combination products were well accepted by physicians while others suffered. Companies involved in development of combination products are fi

east anticipates. On the other hand, the ease of communicating electronically removes formality and business etiquette that can not only be misconstrued but also leads to a breakdown in communication.

Hence, it is pe

ding difficulty in defining their combination products and facing various challenges from selecting a combination to marketing it.

Following aspects would a

rtinent on the Assignee's part to convey himself as clearly and plainly as possible to avoid any misunderstandings that may arise.

3. Behaviourial and Mindset
* Anxiety
* Discomfort
* Fear

dd to the challenges in developing combination products:

Which markets to tap where the combination products can do fairly well?
Which combination prod

of the "Unknown"
* Prejudice and Stereotyping
* Perceived Cultural Superiority or Ethnocentrism
* Discrimination = Racial, Sexual, Educational

Coming from a culture that upholds individual

cts are meaningful and rational?
Which therapeutic categories to select?
Which Combinations can address unmet needs of the patients?
Do combin

ism, privacy and independence; the Assignee will certainly experience shock, resistance, and to a lesser degree, disgust towards the host culture that is perceived as inferior. Which as a result, he may withdraw himse

tions increase the patient compliance?
What would be the developing cost?
How to tackle the risks encountered during combination product developmen

lf seeking similar individuals; or refusal to adapt accordingly to his environment.

The Assignee may also display anxiety and discomfort if he has not come across - or having little or rare opportunities to socialise

t?

As combination products don't fit into the traditional categories of drugs, medical devices, or biological products, the USFDA is in the process of devel

with - people of other cultures before. He will lose sight on effectively communicating his ideas as his fear[s] of not being understood - amongst others - overwhelms him.

Thus, it is to both the organisation's long

ping new procedures for reviewing their safety, efficacy and quality.

Professional from academic institutions, pharmaceutical industries, health care indust

-term interest and the Assignee's well-being that he has the ability to manage the conflicts well enough. Otherwise it is detrimental to his work performance which can affect the entire department's morale as a whole.

y and representatives from various regulatory agencies are working out to design the regulatory requirements for manufacture and sale of combination products

One Last Word...

It is convenient to dismiss Cultural Differences as the major or sole reason for a breakdown in communication - which does not serve the International Assignee well in the long run. Instead,

.

As there is an increasing trend of the combination products companies manufacturing such products should be able to tackle the problems involved in the de

he could be more proactive by confronting the issues that prevented him from working closely with his team.

By addressing the problem and then taking practical steps to remedy any unintentional misunderstanding caus

elopment. They need to be wiser in analyzing the market trends and the regulatory requirements.

Companies that provide selfless information through particip

ed; such actions will not only make him more motivated at work but his stay more pleasant too.

Just remember: Treat anyone regardless of ethnic, racial or cultural background the same way you would want to be treated

tion in industry events and feedback to regulatory authorities would be able to face the challenges and will be successful in developing combination products

HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.usefuladvices.org.ua/article/46877/usefuladvices-Barriers-to-Intercultural-Communication.html">Barriers to Intercultural Communication</a>

BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.usefuladvices.org.ua/article/46877/usefuladvices-Barriers-to-Intercultural-Communication.html]Barriers to Intercultural Communication[/url]

Americans pay a heavy price for their unhealthy lifestyle habits. Employers, while not ultimately responsible for our individual health, can do a better job to support our good health versus sabotage it. Below is a simple checklist to help you determine how healthful your workplace is.

Trade show goodies can be used by applying two distinct strategies. Massively giving out trade goodies works when you can buy them at really low prices.

Lately at the RV lots salesmen have been telling me that things are tougher than ever before, still many of these self-starter, perpetually motivated sales people are not discouraged, yet are a little concerned with the scarcity of buyers coming on to the Recreational Vehicle sales lots these days and the extreme discounting of competitors both regionally and nationally.

Tags

Links

Useful Advices - Barriers to Intercultural Communication

Related Articles: