Bad News

Understand how to communicate effectively with the people from other cultures, has become more integral as many companies becoming multinational. Problems accrued when people think that their own cultural believes are best and their own cultures norms are right to do things. But learning about other cultures and delivering sensitivity can bring more success when dealing with bad news. You must always keep culture in mind, while dealing with bad news. Different cultures understand things differently, so different strategies may be necessary. In many cultures it is necessary to look what the words say and instead look at the communication style and the context of what is being said. Also, be aware that saying ‘no’ is more serious in some cultures than it is in others.

http://www.wvup.edu/academics/business/riley/GBUS_202/chap_11__negative_messages.htm