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Cultural Dimensions: High Context vs. Low Context

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Submitted By aray1981
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Dimensions of Culture
Com 101

Cultural Dimension:
High Context vs. Low Context

Definition of the Dimension:
High and low context communication are ways in which members of various cultures deliver messages. High context messages are communicated non-verbally, in an attempt to maintain social balance, while low context messages express what one would like to communicate directly through language.

Examples of how this dimension of culture can result in misunderstanding and/or challenges faced by people who would come from different cultures in which the members of the respective cultures have learned different worldviews/ behaviors/beliefs, etc. regarding this particular dimension:
One example of how high context communication could result in a misunderstanding is in a retail setting. An American employee could be going about their job as usual, and a person who is from a low context culture might not get the service they expect. An American might not pick up on the non-verbal cues given by somebody from a high context culture and could come off as rude or non-caring even if that isn’t their intention.
An example of challenges faced by people who come from different cultures in which members of the respective cultures have learned different behaviors can happen in the business world. A new hire from a high context culture might have trouble adjusting to the business environment in the U.S. People in America and especially from New York can be extremely forward, which might come as a shock to the high context individual. Anthony has seen this happen with someone from Asia. The person did not enjoy doing business with most Americans or other Asian Americans because he perceived them as rude. Eventually the person quit the position and found a new job where there was very little contact with people from low-context

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