...Difference Between High and Low Context Cultures Media Activity-Workgroup Norms Communication 623 Professor Lambert November 27, 2011 In order to communicate successfully you have to consider the cultural differences and the predominating communication process for individualistic and collectivistic cultures. It is best to explain theses differences in terms of low- and high-context communication. Context has to do with how much you have to know before you can communicate effectively. When workers from high-context and low-context cultures have to work together problems often occur as a result of the type of information exchanged as well as how that information is exchanged. These problems can be categorized as differences in “direction”, “quantity” and “quality”. At differences in direction employees from high-context cultures like China and France adapt to their good friends, families and also to close colleagues (in-group members). They communicate with them intensively (quantity difference) and exchange specific/detailed information about many different topics. The result is that every group member is constantly up-to-date with the facts around the business. Edward T. Hall, a respected anthropologist and cross-cultural researcher, identified classic dimensions of culture in his books The Silent Language and The Hidden Dimension. Understanding and applying this concept can help today’s leaders improve their communication skills across cultures. A key factor...
Words: 2097 - Pages: 9
...Edward T. Hall created the phrase high-context culture to describe a country/culture’s communication style. A high-context culture, like South Korea, is one where “there are many contextual elements that help people to understand the rules.” (Hall’s cultural factors). That being said, because of the “unwritten rules” or nonverbal communication it can be confusing for an individual to fully understand the communication. A low-context culture, like the U.S., is one where “very little is taken for granted meaning more explanation is needed and there is less chance of misunderstanding particularly when visitors are present.” (Hall’s cultural factors). There is more of a focus on verbal communication than nonverbal like body language. Between a high-context culture like South Korea and a low-context culture like the U.S. there are many similarities and differences when it comes to cultural dimensions. Hofstede’s model of national culture uses five dimensions: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, and long-term orientation. Power distance focuses on how power is distributed and the extent to which subordinates accept how power is distributed unequally. It focuses on the belief that superiors and subordinates are different kinds of people. In South Korea power distance is high, receiving a score of 60 according to Hofstede, and embraced by all. It is and has always been a norm in society. Everybody has a place starting from birth, although that place can...
Words: 1228 - Pages: 5
...Vicki Graves 8/2/2015 Short Paper 1 INT-600 High-Context vs Low Context South Korea & U.S. Edward T. Hall created the phrase high-context culture to describe a country/culture’s communication style. A high-context culture, like South Korea, is one where “there are many contextual elements that help people to understand the rules.” (Hall’s cultural factors). That being said, because of the “unwritten rules” or nonverbal communication it can be confusing for an individual to fully understand the communication. A low-context culture, like the U.S., is one where “very little is taken for granted meaning more explanation is needed and there is less chance of misunderstanding particularly when visitors are present.” (Hall’s cultural factors). There is more of a focus on verbal communication than nonverbal like body language. Between a high-context culture like South Korea and a low-context culture like the U.S. there are many similarities and differences when it comes to cultural dimensions. Hofstede’s model of national culture uses five dimensions: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, and long-term orientation. Power distance focuses on how power is distributed and the extent to which subordinates accept how power is distributed unequally. It focuses on the belief that superiors and subordinates are different kinds of people. In South Korea power distance is high, receiving a score of 60 according to Hofstede, and embraced by all. It is and...
Words: 1248 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 305 - Pages: 2
...High Vs. Low Context High Context vs. Low Context Cultures There are many distinct differences between high context and low context cultures. While many cultures are noticeably high context or low context they are not that exclusively. Many cultures have certain aspects of the other; this is also true with hearing and deaf cultures. I will explain the differences between the two then how they intertwine. A high context culture is one that contains many close connections and may be difficult to enter into or understand if you are and outsider. In a high context culture acceptable behaviors or rules are not openly laid out because they are known by all of the members. Activities usually revolve around face-to-face interactions. Most people in high context cultures have a very small, distinctive group of people that they surround themselves with. These cultures are similar to your family or a long relationship. A few cultures identified as high context cultures are the Japanese, Arabs, and French. A low context culture is one that is very open, it is very easy to enter into and all the rules and regulations are laid out for everyone to see. Many people in low context cultures have a wide network of contacts. Knowledge is very public in these cultures and relationships usually last a shorter time and are for the purpose of a task. Rules are very important in these cultures. A few cultures identified as low context cultures are Americans, Germans, and Scandinavians. When compared...
Words: 337 - Pages: 2
...C L I M A T E In Business Communication A critical analysis of Closed Climate Communication in XX Company/E The web-based Merriam-Webster dictionary (2012) defines communication as: “A verbal or written message. A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviour”. Communication is an insightful human nature. It is an important tool to express one’s self and understand others. The typical elements composing communication are; message(s), sender(s), receiver(s), channel(s) and noise is usually impeded (Buchanan & Huczynski, 2010), as illustrated in Figure 1. Noise is a collective terminology for any misalignment between the message sent, or encoded, and the message received, or decoded, causing misunderstanding, misperception, misinterpretation…etc. Figure 1 Communication Elements (Source: Buchanan, D. A. and Huczynski, A. H. ( 2010) ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR, 7th edn, UK, Pearson Education Ltd) Thinking of all our differences in culture, environment, language, perception, age, experience, role, skills, as individuals as well as societies, it might seem impossible to establish noise-free communication (Thomson & McHugh, 2002). In organizations, healthy, contented and productive working environment urges for effective strategies to guide employees on how to eliminate noise and achieve work environment where signal transmitted (equals) signal received. Why is it so important...
Words: 2974 - Pages: 12
...doctor’s. As Mr. Higashi requested, when Kelly called to notify him of her absence due to being sick, Kelly indeed brought a doctor’s note in only to have her time entered as vacation time. High-Context Cultures in Communication All international communication is influenced by cultural differences. One such difference that is apparent in many countries is whether or not the culture is high context vs. low context. In high context cultures a lot of the communicated message is vague, and in order to fully grasp the message at hand, the parties of communication must focus. Focusing in order to understand the message through context, non-verbal cues and ‘listening between the lines’. In order to communicate with in a high-context culture, the people in these cultures have to cultivate interpersonal relations, while developing a good sense of trust with the people in order to communicate effectively (Wilson). Low Context Cultures in Communication Low-context cultures such as North America and Western Europe (most English speaking countries) are logical and linear communicators. People from low-context cultures value logic, facts, and directness. Communicators from low-context cultures also prefer solving problems by lining up the facts of the situation (Wilson). For Kelly, low context communication is how she communicates as well as the other JETS, and the factual contract that they are bound to states that that they do indeed have access to sick leave. When Mr. Higashi...
Words: 385 - Pages: 2
...In this world, there are so many countries and each country has a different culture. This diversity is seen from different of religious beliefs, languages and ethnic groups. With this much diversity in the world, many people is dividing a group based on the average person is classified. Stereotype is the way a person views and judgment to the average person is classified or in short assessment of the appearance or background. Stereotypical way of thinking is taken to simplify complex allegations in the observation quickly. Stereotypes are rarely accurate, usually only a few basic right or even completely fabricated. For example, the Chinese have slanted eyes. Though not all Chinese have slanted eyes. From these examples, it is only a view of the many against the background of the case, for example the Arabs are terrorists. This stereotypical view usually shared by many people because it formerly existed on known terrorist from the Arab world is Osama bin Laden. That's what makes people think or labeling that Arabs are terrorists. But, does all Arabs are terrorists? The reality is not all Arabs are terrorists. Moreover, whether in Asia or in America there is a terrorist? With the stereotype, many people who judge someone based group, religion, or race them. Though we do not yet know the person. Therefore a lot of people who uses stereotyping use it as a guide to a national culture. There are lots of people who work internationally or study abroad for many years. Stereotype cannot...
Words: 1469 - Pages: 6
...THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT COMMUNICATION IS HEARING WHAT ISN’T SAID. (Peter Drucker, 2013) Our world has become a global market place where effective communication is a necessity to survive. Identifying the connections between the people involved in the exchange of information is critical to effective communication. The aims of this blog are threefold: The first is to explain the concept of Social Competence; the second shows how the use of Intrapersonal communication can influence one’s communication; and the third portrays the importance of intercultural communication. SOCIAL COMPETENCE Social competence is the capacity to manage self and relationships effectively. It is the basis of emotional competence (Dwyer, 2009 p.68). The idea behind social competence is that there are many ways to react to situations, and some of them are more constructive than others. Robinson et al. (2013 p. 1268) states that socially competent people are potentially less likely to engage in reactive aggression because they have learned that this form of behaviour does not typically solve interpersonal problems, but rather exacerbates them. Rossana Condeleo quotes: “ The role of any person in this world is to be themselves without damaging the rest. We are important as long as the rest ‘is’ ”. (goodreads 2013) To put this all together, there is real value in learning how to deal with people effectively. But life is sometimes full of frustrating people and situations and this...
Words: 1951 - Pages: 8
...Jordan’s Male Academy: An Insight Look American individualism, a conceptualized form of individualism, is the basis through which individuals are believed to be best represented for accuracy to generalized standards of behavior. However, it is the diversity of this country that makes the American individualism more opaque and less clear, when deviations from the standard appear. Jordan High School is an institution in Long Beach, and the place for the project observations to take place. The framework to be used in this project is a combination of Geert Hofstede’s value dimensions and Edward T. Hall’s High and Low Context cultures, to better understand the culture within the school. As part of my research, outside sources are included such as websites, books, scholarly journals, etc. According to data from the academic year 2013-2014, the total enrollment of the school is 3,481 students. The student ethnicity is divided as follows: 67.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.6% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, 3.2% Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 1.8% White, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.3% Two or more races, and 0.2% Not reported. The student population is majorly populated by students on the free/reduced meals program, and an estimated 22% are English learners. The most frequent language of English learner students is Spanish, with an 84%, followed by Khmer (Cambodian), 0.8%. The teacher’s ethnicity is described as follows for the 2011-2012 academic school year, 62...
Words: 2374 - Pages: 10
...International Business UNILEVER COMPANY Individual Assignment Company overview: Unilever is a British–Dutch multinational customer merchandise company co-head quartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and London, United Kingdom. Its items incorporate sustenance, refreshments, cleaning operators and individual consideration items. It is the world's third-biggest shopper merchandise company measured by 2012 income, after Procter & Gamble and Nestlé. Unilever is the world's biggest maker of food spreads, for example, margarine. One of the most established multinational organizations; its items are accessible in around 190 countries. Unilever claims more than 400 brands, yet concentrates on 14 brands with offers of more than 1 billion. Unilever is sorted out into their fundamental divisions - Foods, Refreshment (drinks and frozen yogurt), Home Care, and Personal Care. It has innovative work offices in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, China, India, and the United States. Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company. It recruits hundreds of valuable and skilled professionals in every country. Unilever items touch the lives of more than 2 billion individuals consistently – whether that is through feeling awesome in light of the fact that they've got gleaming hair and a splendid grin, keeping their homes new and clean, or by appreciating a some tea, fulfilling dinner or solid nibble. Unilever is a company has global impact on people’s life. It brings many benefits...
Words: 3015 - Pages: 13
...COMMUNICATION OPINION PAPER 1 Communication Opinion Paper Kimberly Keddington HCS/320 3/24/2014 Sandra Anderson COMMUNICATION OPINION PAPER 2 Healthcare Communication Effective communication is a fundamental part for the success of any professional or personal relationship. Learning to be a skillful communicator requires you to gain knowledge of the steps of the elements in communication. All of the elements can be used in many situations; public speaking, personal relations, medium advance and business associations. The essential communication mold consists of five elements of communication: the sender/receiver, encoding/decoding, the message, the channel and feedback. The sender takes on the role of starting the communication. For the communication to be proficient, the sender should use efficient verbal as well as any nonverbal signals that one would give. Writing or speaking clearly, placing the points to make them easy to follow and comprehend, using eye contact if the communication is verbal, with appropriate grammar and giving precise information are all important in the value of your message. The sender will lose the audience if they become conscious of noticeable oversights on your part. The sender should have a basic understanding of who the...
Words: 1027 - Pages: 5
...Joseph Rosario Week 1 Assignment Communication Opinion Paper Effective communication is an essential element of basic communication. Without it, meaning cannot be transferred from one person to another and any misunderstandings could lead to dire consequences. The process of communication is composed of three elements: the source (sender, speaker, transmitter, or instructor), the symbols used in composing and transmitting the message (words or signs), and the receiver (listener, reader, or student). The three elements are dynamically interrelated since each element is dependent on the others for effective communication to take place. The relationship between instructor and student also is dynamic and depends on the two-way flow of symbols between the instructor and student. The instructor depends on feedback from the student to properly tailor the communication to the situation. The instructor also provides feedback to the student to reinforce the desired student responses. Each individual involved in the health care industry is an agent of communication. Whether the communication is verbal or nonverbal, millions of messages are being communicated on a daily basis in the industry. Effective communication requires the ability to understand and to be understood. A large aspect of communication is listening and responding to the needs or desires of the person communicating. A health care professional's performance is directly related to his or her ability to effectively communicate...
Words: 549 - Pages: 3
...Low Context Cultures vs. High Context Cultures The video cultural difference in business is about a 17-year-old Valerie Hoek who traveled through the outskirts of Beijing China. She gained valuable knowledge about China’s culture by staying with the locals and learning how they lived and believed. This knowledge later helped her in business relationships with China. China, which is a high context culture, emphasizes interpersonal relationships in their personal lives and while doing business. The perception of people in high context cultures from people in low context cultures may be they are inefficient in their use of time; however, high context cultures may believe people from low context cultures are overly aggressive. This video also points out how in high context culture, earning trust is very important to them when doing business and building relationships over time is how this is achieved. Low context cultures like United States, relationships are not as important in business transactions as contracts and laws are. In addition, conversation is more direct straightforward, concise, and efficient in telling what action is expected. Words are in high context societies are not as important as tone of voice, facial expression, gestures, posture or the person’s family history and status. Saving face, as stated in the video, is a major concern in low context cultures because of the importance of building relationships and status. In low context cultures having a transaction...
Words: 263 - Pages: 2
...following questions: 1) Briefly define a monochronic culture. 2) Briefly define a polychronic culture. 3) What is meant by a Low Context Culture? 4) What is meant by a High Context Culture? 5) The basis of monochronic cultures is the time-line. What is the basis of polychronic cultures? 6) Explain what is meant by "monochronic cultures use short-term relationships". 7) What is meant by monochronic cultures tend to want "mastery over nature"? 8) How do monochronic and polychronic cultures tend to consider nepotism? 1) In a monochronic culture, people tend to place a high value on timeliness and schedules. They focus on the value of time, and therefore tend to have a very rigid interpretation of how to organize their schedules. Monochronic people generally prefer to do one thing at a time and to devote their full concentration to the task at hand, whether it be completing an assignment for work or school or having coffee with a friend. People belonging to this type of culture are also concerned about not disturbing others, and they follow the rules of privacy and consideration, they show respect for private property and are accustomed to short-term relationships. Cultures typically described as monochronic can be found in North America, Northern Europe, and parts of Asia. MONOCRONIC CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS (n an everyday life and in a business context) - sequential: do one activity at the time, follow initial plans, time is measurable, keep appointment strictly, corporate...
Words: 1635 - Pages: 7
