High Context vs. Low Context

Background As more companies transition to global markets, employees are finding themselves in foreign locations dealing with foreign strangers on important business transactions. The key component to effective communication between individuals of different countries and ethnicities is a mutual understanding of each others cultures. Even more important is an understanding of how each culture conveys meaning

The expressions “high-context” and “low- context” stands for differences between cultures. High context and low context communication refers to the extent to which societies use things other than words to convey meaning. Every individual uses BOTH high context and low context communication, it is not a matter of choosing one or the other.

Definitions High context- Recognizing both verbal and nonverbal cues, both direct and implied messages. The combination of these allow me to gather the speaker’s meaning. Characteristics: less is verbally explicit, collectivist cultures, used more often in long-term, well established relationships Low context- Relying solely on words to convey meaning. Prefer to be more direct and speak explicitly. Characteristics: rule oriented, individualistic cultures, decisions based on fact, shorter duration of communication, task-centered.

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Source Wilson, Brian G. College of Marin (Business Communication). Chapter 1 Lecture: High Context and Low Context Culture Styles. Context-vs-Low-Context-Communication

Uncertainty Avoidance One of five intercultural dimensions developed by Hofstede. Definition- “Acceptance of assumed causes oe explanations of a situation as facts to escape the discomfort associated with ambiquity or uncertainty” (a society’s tolerance for ambiquity and uncertainty). A man’s search for truth

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Example Germany is a high uncertainty avoidance country, Germans plan everything carefully and rely on strict laws and rules to avoid uncertainty.

Power Distance Power distance index was introduced by Geert Hofstede and measures the acceptance of lower status members of a community that power is unequally distributed.

Collectivism is the idea that the group is greater than the whole. Collectivist cultures place emphasis on group achievements Protect the rights of groups over individuals.

Individual rights and freedoms emphasized Individual motivation and rewards Valued over groups or organizations

Polychronic Multi- tasking Time is flexible Work time blends with play time No clear separation between both

Monochronic One task at a time Punctual Work time is separate from Play time

Long term – Short Term Orientation

Source "Uncertainty Avoidance." Cross Cultural Communication. 15 Aug Web. 11 Oct Monochronic and Polychronic Cultures by Stephan Dahl