2. Learning Outcomes
Understand how
cultural diversity
impacts
communication.
Appreciate the
benefits and
challenges of cross-
cultural
communication.
01
Recognize the reality
of cultural diversity.
02 03
3. Terms defined…
✓ Local- refers to something that is specific
to a particular place, region, or community.
✓ Global - relating to the entire world or a very large
area.
✓ Multicultural Setting - A place or environment
where people from different cultures live and interact.
7. Sarah, from a rural Midwest background, values direct
communication and punctuality. Maria, from the Philippines,
prioritizes relationships and flexible timeframes. These
contrasting communication styles, shaped by their unique
experiences and cultural values, could easily lead to
misunderstandings.
Think!
? ? ?
8. Now, let's consider
how their
backgrounds
influence their
communication:
Individual
Experiences
Inherent Diversity
9. The Miscommunication Myth
• Miscommunication extends beyond
language proficiency.
• Cultural differences are a major
factor influencing understanding.
• Even fluent speakers can experience
significant miscommunication across
cultures.
10. What do you
think
happened here?
?
"direct"
"efficient "
"deadline"
"understanding"
"respect "
"friendly"
?
?
11. How do we approach Intercultural
Communication?
? ? ?
12. Challenges of
Intercultural
Communication.
• Take for granted
• Cultural biases
• Domestic workforce
• Cultural overtones
• Durable bond
• Grossly disloyal
"Communicating Across Cultures"
by Carol Kinsey Goman (2011)
13. • Each culture has its own set of
unspoken rules.
• Cultural biases are often
unconscious and deeply
ingrained.
•Much of cultural knowledge is
absorbed subconsciously, not
explicitly taught.
Communicating across cultures is challenging.
14. The challenge for multinational communic
never been
greater.
• Globalization and increasingly
diverse workforces necessitate
intercultural understanding.
• Multinational organizations
increasingly recognize the critical
importance of intercultural
communication training.
15. • While individuals vary, cultural
generalizations offer valuable
insights.
• These generalizations provide
helpful clues for navigating
cross-cultural interactions.
Understanding Cultural Clues
16. High-Context vs.
Low-Context Cultures
Slav, Central
European, Latin,
African, Arab, Asian,
American-Indian
cultures; emphasize
implicit
communication.
ex. Busy Market
Most Germanic and
English-speaking
countries;
emphasize explicit
communication.
ex. Formal Meeting
HC LC
17. Some cultures think of time
sequentially, as a linear
commodity to "spend," "save," or
"waste." Other cultures 1 view
time synchronically, as a
constant flow to be experienced
in the moment, and as a force
that cannot be contained or
controlled.
Sequential vs. Synchronic Time
18. North American,
English, German,
Swedish, and Dutch
cultures; emphasize
linear time
perception.
South America,
Southern Europe,
and Asia;
emphasize circular
time perception.
Sequential Culture Synchronic
Culture
19. Time Orientation: Past, Present, Future
• Cultural differences in prioritizing past,
present, and future significantly impact
decision-making.
• Long-term vs. short-term perspectives
influence business practices and
relationships.
20. Affective vs. Neutral
Communication
In international business,
some cultures are
emotionally expressive
(high affect), openly
displaying feelings. Others
are emotionally neutral,
carefully controlling
emotions. The dominant
approach significantly
impacts business
interactions.
22. • The interplay of reason and
emotion varies across cultures.
• Different cultures seek
different types of confirmation
(emotional vs. rational).
Reason vs. Emotion in
Communication
23. • Illustrates the clash between
rational and emotional
communication styles.
• Highlights the crucial role of
cultural understanding in
conflict resolution.
The Italian and the Dutch Manager
24. • Cultural differences significantly
impact communication effectiveness.
• Understanding and respecting these
differences is essential for successful
cross-cultural interactions.
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity
are key to navigating a globalized
world.
Key Takeaways