Chapter 5 Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures Managing Organizations in a Global Economy: An Intercultural Perspective First Edition John Saee Copyright  by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning. All rights reserved.

Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us all without words? Marcel Marceau

Definition of Nonverbal Communication FThe transfer of meaningful information from one person to another by means other than written or spoken language” (Elashmawi and Harris 1993).

The Importance of Nonverbal Communication FYour actions really speak louder than words. FEyes are more accurate witnesses than ears. (Heraclitus) FNonverbal communication is often responsible for first impressions.

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication FAll behavior has communicative value. FNonverbal messages are primarily attitudinal. FNonverbal communication is ambiguous.

Similarities Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication FBoth use a culturally agreed upon set of symbols. FBoth are products of the individuals. FSomeone is attaching meaning to the symbols we produce.

Differences Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication FMany of our nonverbal actions are governed biologically. FNonverbal communication is learned much earlier in life. FA nonverbal message can be more emotional in its appeal and impact.

Differences Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication FNonverbal communication is more universal. FA number of nonverbal messages can be sent simultaneously. FNonverbal communication is continuous and never ending. FVerbal messages can be confusing, nonverbal messages can be more so.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication FRepeating FSubstituting FComplementing and accenting FRegulating FContradicting

Nonverbal Communication and Culture FNonverbal communication is a “silent language” (Hall). FNonverbal cues facilitate understanding of underlying attitudes and values.

Nonverbal Behavior in the Workplace F Culture differences in decoding non- verbal behavior can create confusion. F Decoding ability and nonverbal sensitivity. F Nonverbal measurement. F Encoding and impression management.

Categories and Types of Nonverbal Communication FThose produced by body. FThose that the individual combines with the setting.

FGeneral appearance and dress.

Body Movements: Kinesics and Posture FPosture. FGestures. FThere were 247 gestures cataloged that the Arabs use when speaking. FMorris in his study of 40 countries had isolated 20 common hand gestures that had different meaning in each culture.

FFacial expressions FEye contact FTouch FSmell

Paralanguage  Paralanguage involves the linguistic elements of speech, that is, how something is said and not the actual meaning of the spoken words. Vocal characterizers Vocal qualifiers Vocal segregates

FVariables external to communicator – space, time and silence – are also utilized and manipulated to send a message.

Space and Distance FThe distance between us and people with whom we communicate is conveying a message. FFurniture arrangement.

Time FMonochronic and polychronic time. FM-time: time is linear, segmented, and manageable. FP-time: time is less tangible and feelings of wasted time are not as prevalent as in M-time cultures.

Four important temporal concepts: FAppointment time. FSchedule time. FDiscussion time. FAcquaintance time.

FSilence Silence sends us nonverbal cues about the communication situation in which we participate.

What you need to remember: F A greater part of the meaning conveyed by a spoken message is communicated non-verbally. F The message sender is often unconscious of sending these cognitive messages, and the receiver is unconscious of how and why they convey specific impressions.

What you need to remember: FNon-verbal communication creates impressions which work below the conscious threshold. FMuch non-verbal communication is culturally conditioned. FThe interpretations placed upon non- verbal messages sent by members of the other culture may not correspond to what is intended.