| To better understand the interpersonal negotiation skills utilized by diplomats in the process of conducting multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations, 30 high-level diplomats representing every major region of the world were interviewed in 2004. Expanding on both intercultural communication and international relations research, these experts verified that cultural differences must be accommodated to improve communication effectiveness. Furthermore, gender, race, and religion remain as significant cultural barriers at the UN. However, the influence of distinct national cultures on negotiations was appreciably reduced by (a) the existence of a diplomatic culture at the United Nations that was described in terms of Hofstede's dimensions and (b) the development of trusting relationships between diplomats representing different nations. |
