Week 6

Remember the learning outcomes 1.2 Consider intercultural issues in their communications 1.4 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the various communicative styles 2.1 Engage in appropriate and accurate communications in diverse groups 2.2 Demonstrate familiarity with the vocabulary and techniques of inter-organisational and international communication. 2.3 Prepare communication materials that demonstrate an appreciation of language and culture for differing audiences

Recap

Hofstede’s Dimensions Review Student activity: in pairs take one of Hofstede’s dimensions (different to the others). Re read it and really try to understand it, make notes on it so you can teach others – 10 minutes Move into 2 groups, with at least 1 person that studied each dimension and share you learning so that other students could explain the dimension you look at to answer questions – 15 minutes What criticisms can you think of for this theory?

Learning outcomes Explain the impact that body language has on intercultural communication Consider the importance of listening and observation in communication Evaluate our non-verbal communication skills

Body Language According to Albert Mehrabian an eminent researcher in the field on this website ( 7% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is in the words that are spoken 38% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is paralinguistic (the way that the words are said) 55% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is in facial expression

Body Language Interpretation “I would love to meet with you to discuss this issue in more detail” if accompanied by the following what does it mean: i) getting out a calendar ii) moving onto the next topic without a pause iii) frowning whilst searching for something in a drawer while saying the words

Influences on body language Cultural background Socio-economic background Education Gender Age Personal preferences and idiosyncrasies Can you think of any examples to demonstrate these?

Discuss these on your table – what do they mean?

Eye contact Who can look?: Boss v subordinate Men v women Where do they look?: Eyes v mouth

Vocalisations and quailifers Vocalisations = non-word noises Vocal qualifiers = volume, pitch, intonation and overall ‘melody’ Think of all the cultural vocalisations and vocal qualifiers you are aware of and the meaning you think they have – round robin

Assignment Work Start thinking about your specific countries for the assignment Are they likely to use direct or indirect written communication? Formal or informal? How might you have to change/adapt your own cultures communication prefer? When might you communicate in writing and what changes will you make?

Possible ways of showing anger – matching exercise culture display ) Japanese 2) Germans 3) Middle Eastern 4) Korean A) raise voice B) throwing things C) verbal tirade with big hand gestures D) sucking in breath/averting gaze

Gestures Individually consider if you can you interpret the following in different ways? Which?  Nodding a head  Lower a head  Closing eyes  Banging a fist on a table/Drumming fingers on a table  Big hand gestures  Standing tall

Physical Greetings The handshake is the ‘linga franca’ of business but should it be firm should it be? Bowing Cheek kissing/touching Pressing noses (hongi – New Zealand)

Silence How do you use silence in your communications? Do you feel the need to ‘fill the gap’ when talking has stopped? Silence in high context cultures – often seen as preferable to speaking especially in Japan In business negotiations particularly amongst Japanese teams much of the discussion is in silence and through facial expression and body gestures

Section Summary There are a number of influences on body language of which culture is one Not interpreting body language correctly can lead to misunderstanding, mistrust and potentially loss of business To successfully read non verbal signals you must understand the cultural values that give rise to them

Active listening In 2/3s allocate yourself either a, b or c Person a will listen first Person b will listen next Person c will observe both Person c will listen last to either a or b and the other will observe

Can active listening and observational skills be improved? Practice any skill and you will notice improvement If you notice/have feedback that suggest you interrupt or don’t give eye contact you could practice not/giving more Being able to paraphrase and summarise what someone has said and make suggestions of what they want as a result shows good listening skills Observational skills are also important as body language makes up such a large part of communication

Evaluation of your non verbal skills How would you rate your own non verbal communication skills? (body language interpretation, listening skills etc) Have you ever got any feedback on them? m# take any or all of the first 3 tests m# Is there anything you need to do as a result of your analysis?

Learning Review Explain the impact that body language has on intercultural communication Consider the importance of listening and observation in communication Evaluate our non-verbal communication skills

Reminder of what we have covered so far the meaning and impact of culture the communication process and impact of technology on it culture shock, the importance of team work, multi-cultural teams and technology Hall’s and Hofstede’s theories key definitions, English language, adapting language and organising written communication (direct/indirect plan) Body language and culture, listening skills

University Challenge In 2 groups you are now in everyone make up the hardest question you can think of based on what we have covered in the module so far (that you know the answer to and is different to others in your team) Put away all your notes/books Take it in turn to ask your question to your opposite number 2 points if they answer it correctly 1 point if they have to confer The winning team is the one that gets the most points

Out of Class Learning Out of class learning read Chapter 9 in the core text

Next Time Conflict styles Negotiating skills Negotiating with other cultures