When Communication Crosses Cultures: Lessons From The Classroom

 

What happens when the same message means something completely different depending on where you are?

In today’s increasingly connected workplace, working across countries and cultures has become part of everyday business. Yet while technology makes it easier to connect globally, effective communication still depends on something much more human: understanding how people communicate differently.

This was the focus of a Global Business Communication guest lecture delivered by Justin Tan, Head of Adecco Indonesia, at SBM ITB Bandung on 30 July 2026 as part of the Business Communication course. The session brought together students from both the International and Regular Classes to explore how communication styles, expectations, and professional etiquette can vary across cultures.

Bringing Real-World Experience into the Classroom

The session went beyond communication theory, using real-world examples and interactive case studies to help students explore what cross-cultural communication looks like in practice.

Drawing from his experience working across different markets in Asia and Europe, Justin shared perspectives on how cultural differences can influence the way people speak, listen, respond, and work together.

One of the key discussions centred around a simple but important idea: people may hear the same words but interpret them differently.

In a global workplace, this can have a real impact. Different communication styles and expectations can lead to misunderstandings, unclear priorities, and misalignment between teams. The presentation highlighted communication as one of the key factors behind project challenges, alongside unclear objectives and leadership alignment.

What Can Future Professionals Take Away?

For students preparing to enter an increasingly global workforce, the session offered practical lessons that go beyond the classroom.

1. Don't be afraid to ask questions

When working across cultures, assuming that everyone understands a message in the same way can create unnecessary misunderstandings. Asking for clarification can be a strength, not a weakness.

2. Learn to adapt your communication

There is no single communication style that works in every situation. Being aware of different ways of communicating can help professionals collaborate more effectively with people from different backgrounds.

3. Speak up and stay curious

The session encouraged students to become more comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and expressing when they need more clarity. These behaviors can help build confidence in global working environments.

4. Stay true to who you are

Perhaps one of the most memorable messages from the session was:

“Never lose your Indonesian identity. Expand it.”

Being a global professional does not mean leaving your identity behind. It means expanding your perspective, understanding different ways of working, and being confident enough to contribute to your own point of view.

Preparing the Next Generation for a Global Workplace

As students step into a workplace that is increasingly connected across borders, cross-cultural communication will be an important skill, whether they are working with an international team, managing global clients, or collaborating with colleagues from different countries.

The session at SBM ITB was an opportunity to bring these realities into the classroom and give students a glimpse into the communication challenges they may encounter in their future careers.

At Adecco, we believe that preparing future talent is not only about developing technical skills. It is also about building the confidence, adaptability, and awareness needed to thrive in a changing world of work.

Let's Collaborate

Interested in bringing industry insights and real-world perspectives into your classroom, event, or organisation? We’d be happy to explore opportunities to collaborate and connect the world of business with the next generation of talent.

Get in touch with our Marketing team:

Audya Shifa Ashila
Marketing Manager
Audya.Ashila@adecco.com
Anita Akbar Sugiharto
Senior Marketing Executive
Anita.AkbarSugiharto@adecco.com