...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...
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...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...
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...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 in...
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...1. Research high-context and low-context countries. Select one of each (excluding the United States) and explain why each country is either high or low, citing several examples of behaviors and cues. Then define a situation that is common in each country and how it might be misinterpreted in the other, and why. High- context country: Kazakhstan can be considered as a high- context country because the social environment is more important to people. Compared to countries with a low- context culture, Kazakhstan is the country where traditions are honored and you need to build trustful relationships before making any business deals. At the workplace, the respect to older people is very important. You should greet them in a proper manner and take...
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...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...
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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...
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...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...
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...Please answer 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...
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...inconsistencies his vision of how things should be done, obviously conflicting with my leadership style. He definitely is able to do “as I say” but not willing - he does not keep daily contact, works outside the office more than normal and his various meetings usually conflict with AccountBack activities and meetings. I do not know if this is based on cross cultural differences or situational leadership. I definitely should consider a mismatch of leadership style and development level of my subordinate. I should reconsider my participating approach towards my employees. It definitely worked for our branch and the financial results are proving it but most of the salesmen were new to the company. In case of salesmen with more experience and high readiness to do the work and accomplish results I should lower relationship behavior and delegate more duties. Low level of cooperation that we have causes a competition between us and solving the conflict could come only after compromising with each other, accommodating our expectations and collaborating to achieve our...
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...This report analyzes the cross-cultural negotiations happening between Australia and China through organizational business transactions. With today’s modern trades, negotiators aim to attain a “win-win” situation between one another under a rational and wholesome environment. It is a necessity for multinational corporations to have a cross-cultural based management. Differences of cultures across the globe would induce large organizations to embrace themselves with a variety of counter strategies, as it can majorly impact the firm’s performances if left unattended. Hofstede (1983) established that the differences between each nation create diversity, which exist in various aspects mainly: Power distance, uncertainty avoidance, Individualism, masculinity and long term versus short-term orientation. These factors implement the approaches from which a nation converse with the other healthily creating little to no conflict. ‘Why China plays hardball’ article presents the different business cultures which are dealt between Australia and China. Through analyzing the article, we may compare the issues of culture between the nations. Cultural biases Ethnocentrism is an assumption that one’s way is the best way of doing and all other possibilities are not relevant under no matter whatever conditions applied (Deresky & Christopher 2012). Within this article, it implements the hard facts of global corporations joining the Chinese market in creating a term of collaborative undertakings...
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...Section A Reinforcement Schedule Reinforcement schedule is the determination of when reinforcers are applied. It is either after every response or only after some responses. These apply to the two general categories of schedule, continuous reinforcement or intermittent reinforcement. Continuous Reinforcement is the reinforcement of desired behaviour every time the undesired behaviour is demonstrated. It is the simplest schedule. For example, whenever the worker is late, he/she will get a 1% deduction of pay. Intermittent Reinforcement is the reinforcement of desired behaviour when undesirable behaviours are demonstrated after a stipulated number of responses or timeframe set by reinforcer but not at every instance. There are four types of intermittent reinforcement: Fixed Interval reinforcement is received after a set amount of time, regardless of number of responses during that time. For example, a worker gets its pay every last Friday of the month. Fixed ratio interval is reinforcement occurs after a set number of responses, predictable. For example, whenever a worker makes 3 sales, he gets 20% commission. Variable interval is reinforcing someone after a variable amount of time is the final schedule. For example, A boss do not do check on the worker periodically, hence the worker does not know when the next ‘check-up’ might come, he have to be working hard at all times in order to be ready. Variable ratio interval is reinforcement based on number of responses; however...
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...Geeta austerity TRANSLATION Austerity of speech consists in speaking truthfully and beneficially and in avoiding speech that offends. One should also recite the Vedas regularly. PURPORT ------------------------------------------------- One should not speak in such a way as to agitate the minds of others. Of course, when a teacher speaks, he can speak the truth for the instruction of his students, but such a teacher should not speak to others who are not his students if he will agitate their minds. This is penance as far as talking is concerned. Besides that, one should not talk nonsense. When speaking in spiritual circles, one's statements must be upheld by the scriptures. One should at once quote from scriptural authority to back up what he is saying. At the same time, such talk should be very pleasurable to the ear. By such discussions, one may derive the highest benefit and elevate human society. There is a limitless stock of Vedic literature, and one should study this. This is called penance of speech. Passive verb / voice desirable passive voice is desirable [derived from Theodore Bernstein: The Careful Writer. (New York: Atheneum) 1979]: > When the agent performing the action is considered unimportant or too obvious to mention. "McGregor was accused of murder": Who did the accusing is unimportant. "The mail has already been delivered": Obviously, the mailman delivered it. > When the performer of the action is indefinite or unknown: "Silk hats are...
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...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...
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...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? Well, as surveys show, Communication is problem No. 1 in organizations (Lauer, 1996). Disastrous plane crashes happen, mostly, as a result of communication errors (Gladwell, 2009). It is, then, indispensible for organizations to take communication into their topmost consideration and develop their cultural...
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...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...
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