Final answer:
It is helpful for international businesspeople to understand that a national culture has two components: visible and invisible aspects. This knowledge allows them to navigate cultural differences effectively and adapt their behavior and practices in international business transactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is helpful for international businesspeople to know that a national culture has two components because it allows them to understand and navigate cultural differences effectively. The two components of a national culture are the visible and invisible aspects. The visible aspects include surface-level elements such as language, clothing, and food, while the invisible aspects include values, beliefs, and communication styles.
By understanding both components, businesspeople can adapt their behavior, communication style, and business practices to align with the culture they are working in. This knowledge helps them build trust, establish positive relationships, and avoid misunderstandings that can hinder international business transactions.
For example, knowing that directness is valued in American business culture but indirectness is the norm in some other cultures can help international businesspeople communicate more effectively. They can learn to adjust their communication style to be more direct or indirect depending on the culture they are interacting with, leading to better communication and collaboration.