Chapter 3 Communicating Interculturally

Learning Objectives After studying this chapter, you will be able to Discuss two trends contributing to the importance of intercultural business communication in the workplace Define culture and subculture, and summarize how culture is learned Explain the importance of recognizing cultural differences and list four categories of cultural differences Define ethnocentrism and stereotyping, then give three suggestions for overcoming these limiting mind-sets Discuss ways to improve communication with people who don’t speak your language at all List eight recommendations for improving your intercultural writing

What Is Intercultural Communication? It is the process of sending and receiving messages between people whose cultural background leads them to interpret verbal and nonverbal signs differently. John V. Thill et al (2004:68) More precisely, intercultural communication involves interaction between people whose cultural perceptions and symbol systems are distinct enough to alter the communication event. Larry A. Samovar et al (2004:15)

The Importance of Communicating Across Cultures Market globalization The Multicultural Workplace

IMPROVING INTERCULTURAL SENSITIVITY Recognize Cultural Differences Cultural-Diversity Quiz Contextual Differences Legal and Ethical Differences Social Differences Nonverbal Differences Geert Hofstede’s study How do cultures vary? Overcome Ethnocentrism and Stereotyping

Definition of Culture A system of shared believed beliefs, values, customs, behaviors and artifacts that the members of the society use to cope with their world and with one another, and that are transmitted from generation to generation through learning. (Bates and Plog :1990)

The Nature of Culture Culture Is Learned Culture Is Transmitted from Generation to Generation Culture Is Based on Symbols Culture Is Subject to Change Culture Is an Integrated System

How do cultures vary? Geert Hofstede’s study shows: people from different cultures have very different views of what is fair, reasonable and proper behavior Four key dimensions to explain: Individualism-Collectivism Power Distance Uncertainty Avoidance Masculinity-Femininity

Individualism Self-consciousness VS group-consciousness Individualistic cultures prefer linear logic and tend to value open conflict. Manifestations of individualism Champaign reward Win-lose and Individualism Decision making and Individualism Negotiation strategies and Individualism

Individualism Individualism stands for a preference for a loosely knit social framework. In such cultures, competition rather than cooperation is encouraged and every individual relies more on his/her own opinions and thoughts. These cultures stress individual initiative and achievement, and they value individual decision-making.

Collectivism Collectivism is characterized by a rigid social framework that distinguishes between in-groups and out-groups. A “we” consciousness prevails: identity is based on the social system; the individual is emotionally dependent on organizations and institutions; and individuals trust group decisions. Maintaining the integrity of groups is stressed so that cooperation, conflict avoidance, and conformity dominate the culture. Collectivist societies tend to stress abstract, general agreements over concrete, specific issues.

Power Distance The idea of power distance describes the degree of deference and acceptance of unequal power between people. high power distance cultures are those where some people are considered superior to others because of their social status, gender, race, age, education, birth, personal achievements, family background or other factors. Cultures with low power distance tend to assume equality among people, and focus more on earned status than ascribed status.

Uncertainty Avoidance The idea of uncertainty avoidance has to do with the way national cultures relate to uncertainty and ambiguity, and therefore, how well they may adapt to change. High Uncertainty Avoidance cultures： Arab, Muslim, and traditional African countries Low Uncertainty Avoidance cultures: The United States, Scandinavia, and Singapore

High Uncertainty Avoidance High value is placed on conformity and safety, risk avoidance, and reliance on formal rules and rituals. Trust tends to be vested only in close family and friends. It may be difficult for outsider negotiators to establish relationships of confidence and trust with members of these national cultures. Countries with large power distance and weak uncertainty: Singapore, Hong Kong and India Countries with small power distance and weak uncertainty: Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon countries

Low Uncertainty Avoidance Members of these national cultures tend to value risk-taking, problem-solving, flat organizational structures, and tolerance for ambiguity. It may be easier for outsiders to establish trusting relationships with negotiating partners in these cultural contexts.

Masculinity-Femininity The terms masculinity and femininity are used to refer to the degree to which a culture values assertiveness or nurturing and social support and the degree to which socially prescribed roles operate for men and women. Masculinity cultures Japan and Latin America Femininity cultures Scandinavia countries, Thailand, and Portugal Moderate: USA

Communicating across Diversity Study Other Cultures (See CHECKLIST on page76) Overcome Language Barriers

Develop Effective Intercultural Communication Skills Writing Skills Oral Skills

Writing: Neutral/Good-News Messages (Chapter 7) Routine Inquiries General Favorable Responses Personal Evaluation Adjustment Grants Order Acknowledgments Claims