CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONMaking the Differences Work for You
Our Goals Today
Understand the impact of culture on our behaviors
Avoid problems by becoming aware of the possible dynamics before there is an issue
Learn more about our colleagues
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What is Culture?
Culture (def): the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, age, or other group
This includes obvious traits like language, dress, demeanor – and less obvious traits too – like time management, importance of relationships
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What’s the Issue?
Each culture considers themselves ‘normal’ and can see differences as ‘abnormal’
Each group believes they are the best, the most intelligent, the most normal
Ways We are Different
Language Use of space Perceptions of time Meaning of nonverbal behaviors Degree of individualism or collectivism Level of context needed Importance of hierarchy Definition of gender roles Attitudes about technology and the environment Criteria for success
How Does Culture Affect our Behavior?
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Society
Social Subgrou
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Family
IndividualDifference
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Group Exercise:30 minutes
Create a team (5-6) Each of you should have a sheet of instructions plus a
list of adjectives listed “National Characteristics” Find a place to work together as a team
Review the list of National Characteristics individually. Select the top 8 characteristics that best describe your
national culture; add as needed
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Completing the Exercise
As a group: Each member of the team will review briefly the
adjectives they selected & country they are from. Discuss the following questions:
What are the most commonly shared characteristics? What does this mean for the behavioral norms of your group?
What do the differences mean for your group interaction? What challenges might result from these differences?
How might the mix of characteristics help or hurt the team?
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What Did We Learn?
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Ways to Assess Cultural Orientation
Cognitive styles: How we organize and process information
Negotiation strategies: What we accept as evidence, how much context matters
Value systems: What we consider important, our basis for behavior
Decision making strategies: Collective or individual?
Why Categorize a Culture?
It allows us to: predict a group’s behavior or response clarify why people did what they did avoid giving offense search for unity with others
Three Categories of Cultures
Linear Active Multi Active Reactive
Linear Active
One thing at a time, sequenced Concentrate hard, want to be more efficient Task oriented Highly organized planners Limited but strong body animation
Multi Active
Not very interested in schedules or punctuality
Very flexible on time, often changes plans Do not like to leave a human interaction
unfinished People-oriented Interaction with them can be time consuming Unrestricted body language
Reactive
Listening culture Prefer to watch, and then formulate a
reaction More introverted culture Unlikely to voice strong opinions early Preferred mode of communication is
monologue, sequential conversations Regard silence as meaningful, refined part of
discourse May be uncomfortable with small talk
How Do Cultures Map Out?
MultiActive
LinearActive Reactive
Brazil, Chile
USA
Germany, Switzerland
Vietnam
China
JapanUK Canada
Belgium India
Hispanic America, Mexico
Russia
Italy Sub-Saharan Africa
Korea, Thailand
Blue: Linear Active
Red: Multi Active
Yellow: Reactive
World View of Cultural Differences
Cultural Variables in Business and Industry
Role of written communication -inform? persuade? document? reinforce? Level of informality among co-workers Criteria for success -individual and organization Oral presentation styles -relatively formal or informal Emphasis on task versus relationships Goals of business as a cultural institution
Advantages of Culturally Diverse Teams
Versatility in problem solving Generate more alternatives Respond to local preferences Better critical analysis
Greater creativity Better tolerance for ambiguity and chaos Better access to talent
First Pass Impressions Come from Non-Verbal Skills
Connect with audiences’ eyes Make your point, pause, move on to next set of eyes
Use naturally and appropriatelyDrop to neutral when not using
Increased volume= increased animationUse pauses to pace
talk
Balanced stanceAll movement has
a purpose
Professional
Resources
When Cultures Collide, Richard Lewis, Nicholas Brealey International 2006.
Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands, Terri Morrisson and Wayne. A. Conaway, Adams Media 2006
How We See Differences
Element Linear Multi-Active Reactive
Change Constantly necessary
Imaginative and exciting
Must be gradual
Decision Making
Should be future oriented
Should be bold and original
Should be based on best past precedents
Innovation Make it a goal Innovate elegantly
Innovate only when necessary
Learning Review the past and debate the future
Discuss actions from all angles
Listen to more experienced mentors
Outcomes Prepare for worst case scenarios
Look for best case scenarios
Discuss all options until the best one is evident
Goal of change Should be profit oriented
Should involve social reputation
Should be employment oriented