Chapter 4 1

Communicating Across Cultures

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 2

What is Communication?

Communication describes the process of sharing meaning by transmitting messages through media such as words, behavior, or material artifacts.

Chapter 4 3

The Communication Process(Exhibit 4-1)

Sender

Meaning Encode

MediumMessage

ReceiverDecode Meaning

Noise

Culture

Feedback

Chapter 4 4

Terms in Communication

Intercultural communication is when a member of one culture sends a message to a member of another culture.

Attribution is the process in which people look for the explanation of another person’s behavior.

Chapter 4 5

Guidelines for Creating Trust(as suggested by John Child)

Mutual benefit Improve predictability Develop mutual bonding

Chapter 4 6

Cultural Variables Affecting Communication

Attitudes: Social Organization: Thought Patterns: Roles: Language: Nonverbal Communication: Time:

Chapter 4 7

Context

In high-context cultures, feelings and thoughts are not explicitly expressed; instead, one has to read between the lines and interpret meaning from one’s general understanding.

In low-context cultures, where personal and business relationships are more separated, communication media have to be more explicit. Feelings and thoughts are expressed in words, and information is more readily available.

Chapter 4 8

Guidelines for Effective Communication in the Middle East

Be patient. Recognize that people and relationships matter more to

Arabs than the job, company, or contract Avoid expressing doubts or criticism when others are

present Adapt to the norms of body language, flowery speech,

and circuitous verbal patterns in the Middle East, and don’t be impatient to “get to the point.”

Expect many interruptions in meetings, delays in schedules, and changes in plans.

Chapter 4 9

Managing Cross-Cultural Communication

Developing cultural sensitivity Careful encoding Selective transmission Careful decoding of feedback Follow-up actions

Chapter 4 10

Behaviors Most Important to Intercultural Communication Effectiveness

(as reviewed by Ruben)

Respect Interaction posture Orientation to knowledge Empathy Interaction management Tolerance for ambiguity Other-oriented role behavior

Chapter 4 11

Personality Factors For Effective Intercultural Communication

(as reviewed by Kim)

Openness – traits such as open-mindedness, tolerance for ambiguity, and extrovertedness

Resilience – traits such as having an internal locus of control, persistence, a tolerance of ambiguity, and resourcefulness