Final answer:
The correct answer is option 3. Managers should be cautious when using gestures and symbols for communication without speaking the local language, as these can have different meanings across cultures. The correct answer is 'It depends on the situation', recognizing that nonverbal communication's effectiveness varies with context and cultural norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a manager does not speak the local language, relying solely on gestures and symbols may not be entirely effective due to cultural differences in interpretation. For instance, a smile typically conveys happiness in many cultures, but some specific gestures like a thumbs-up may have a positive meaning in one culture and an offensive one in another.
Misunderstandings can also arise from interpreting physicality and body language, which varies greatly across cultures. In business, understanding nonverbal communication as well as verbal is crucial because it encompasses body language, facial expressions, and other forms of nonverbal cues that are used to convey messages without words. Therefore, it is essential to consider the cultural context and, when possible, learn the local norms or seek the assistance of an interpreter to avoid miscommunication.
Considering the nuances of nonverbal communication, the correct answer to whether a manager should rely on gestures and symbols for communication when they do not speak the local language is 3) It depends on the situation. This recognizes that while some gestures and symbols can be effective, others may lead to misinterpretation and confusion. Effective communication often requires a combination of nonverbal cues, cultural understanding, and sometimes language assistance.