High Context and Low Context
- 1. Worldview High Context and Low Context By YJ
- 2. Table of Contents High Context vs. Low Context High Context Characteristics of High Context Low Context Characteristics of Low Context Hall’s High/Low-context Cultural Factors Higher Context Cultural Countries Lower Context Cultural Countries High and Low Context Professions Culture Adjustment: High to Low Culture Adjustment: Low to High 2
- 3. High Context vs. Low Context High-context is that “most of the information is either in the physical context or initialized in the person, while very little is in the coded, explicit, transmitted part of the message.” (Hall). low-context communication is “the mass of information is vested in the explicit code”. (Hall) Images from celt.iastate.edu 3
- 4. High Context High context refers to societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other. (From http://culture-at-work.com) 4
- 5. Characteristics of High Context People are aware of who is accepted as a group member Much formal information and rules are known, less requirement in writing People know what the other person means by reading hidden cues. Long lasting relationships Knowledge is confidential with closer relationships Activities and decisions based on rapport and personable relationships. Authoritative figures are mostly in control 5
- 6. Low Context Low context refers to societies where people tend to have many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason. In these societies, cultural behavior and beliefs may need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the cultural environment know how to behave. (From http://culture-at-work.com) 6
- 7. Characteristics of Low Context People play by clearly defined external rules A clear pattern of activities Information is specific and transparent Close relationships for a small duration of time Knowledge is open and transferable Focus on task and responsibilities are shared Results are the top priority in decision making 7
- 8. Hall’s High/Low-context Cultural Factors Factor High-context culture Low-context culture Many covert and implicit messages, with Many overt and explicit messages Overtness of messages use of metaphor and reading between that are simple and clear. the lines. Locus of control and attribution Inner locus of control and personal Outer locus of control and blame of for failure acceptance for failure others for failure Use of non-verbal More focus on verbal Much nonverbal communication communication communication than body language Expression of reaction Reserved, inward reactions Visible, external, outward reaction Cohesion and separation of Strong distinction between ingroup and Flexible and open grouping groups outgroup. Strong sense of family. patterns, changing as needed Strong people bonds with affiliation to Fragile bonds between people with People bonds family and community little sense of loyalty. High commitment to long-term Low commitment to relationship. Level of commitment to relationships. Task more important than relationships Relationship more important than task. relationships. Time is highly organized. Time is open and flexible. Flexibility of time Product is more important than Process is more important than product process From ChangingMinds.org 8
- 9. Higher Context Cultural Countries 9
- 10. Lower Context Cultural Countries 10
- 11. High and Low Context Professions Human Resources Marketing/Sales Manufacturing Products Research and Development Technical Information Systems Engineers Finance 11
- 12. Culture Adjustment: High to Low Take at face value Direct communication Focus on tasks Respect privacy 12
- 13. Culture Adjustment: Low to High Observe body language carefully Save face Build relationships Think creatively 13
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