Three peoples divided by a common language: Cultural pitfalls in international negotiations between the United States and the United Kingdom and Ireland

Abstract

There is a general assumption that there is no serious communication barrier among speakers of a common language. This action research study examines that assumption in the context of intercultural communication among three English-speaking teams, with each team representing a major national travel organization located in the USA, Ireland, and the UK respectively. The results of an online survey sent to all participants (N = 82) indicate stark differences between the US and the UK/Ireland respondents’ perceptions of the quality of communication and the effectiveness of their cooperation on a day-today basis. The causes of these differences are examined, recommendations are offered for ways in which cultural pitfalls can be avoided, and suggestions are provided for avenues for future research.