COM 340 Lecture 2 Perception, Meaning, Reality, and Axioms of ICC

COM  Made up of three characteristics: Stimuli Dimensions Categories  Perception is the process by which people categorize objects (stimuli) along dimensions of importance.  A stimuli is anything that we need to pay attention to in order to get our needs met. Perception

COM  People construct a “reality” of their surroundings by “taking in” all of the stimuli around them.  We go through the same process of creating a reality for our job, family, commute, relationships, recreation, etc.  All of these combined create a “reality” of our life.  Perception is used to make sense of and construct a reality of their world. Constructing Reality

COM  We learn the rules for placing stimuli in categories from our parents, family, friends, bosses, teachers, media, etc.  Because each person has a slightly different combination of these people, etc. we each have a slightly different set of rules for placing stimuli into categories.  Therefore, each person has a slightly different “reality.” Each of us lives in a slightly different world. Constructing Reality (con ’ t)

COM  Meaning is “culturally relative.” Everybody (and every culture) gives a different relative meaning to an object.  Meaning is “absolute.” The meaning of an object lies within the object itself, and not in the perception of the stimuli of the person looking at the object.  Meaning is “universal.” Everyone gives the object the same meaning. (i.e. everyone agrees what the desk in the classroom is.) Meaning

COM  Axiom… A statement universally accepted as true. An established principle or law. 6 Axioms of ICC

COM  PCDs create “blind spots”  Many people do not share the same norms, thought patterns, structures, and systems.  Sources of miscommunication attributed to PCDs: 1) Culture 2) Personality 3) Relationship history Axiom 1: ICC Assumes Perceived Cultural Difference (PCDs)

COM  ICC assumes differences not only in the “message,” but also in the “interaction” Not only “content,” but also “context” Both “what is said,” and “who said it”  Relationships alter Meaning  Messages alter Relationships Axiom 2: ICC Relates to Content and Relationships

COM  Each individual has their own communica- tion style. Sometimes conscious, but often people are not aware of their style  People’s communication styles develop out of habits formed interacting with family, friends and other individuals.  Upon communicating with someone the first time we develop a first impression of that person. Axiom 3: Communication Style Affects First Impressions

COM  In interpersonal encounters, people generally try to avoid ambiguity. Redundancy and predictability are useful in reducing uncertainty.  Generally, people use the communication habits, patterns, customs, and rules they have developed.  Problem: in IC interactions there is generally more ambiguities and uncertainties than when interacting with someone from one’s own culture. The “rules” are different. Axiom 4: ICC Involves Uncertainty Reduction

COM  Answer...  1) Use the rules, customs, rituals, nonverbal behaviors that match the other person’s culture. Can be rather confusing if both sides attempt this.  2) Understand and manage interaction stages and process: Precontact Contact and impression Closure Axiom 4: ICC Involves Uncertainty Reduction (cont ’ )

COM Steps to Uncertainty Reduction  1) Precontact - by learning about a culture before we encounter it, we start from an focused scanning perspective rather than from an unfocused scanning of the environment.  2) Contact and impression - Initial impressions occur in the first four minutes of verbal communication.  3) Closure - the lasting attitude based on the contact stage. We form a summary and mental picture of each person.

COM  Every culture has symbols, rituals, customs, and formats.  Misunderstanding occurs when we misinterpret the relationship between the symbols and communication system with the culture. Axiom 5: Culture and Communication are Inseparable

COM  Theoretical knowledge is not enough to becoming competent. Improving one’s behavior and skills are necessary to improve one’s performance.  Success has many rewards… Conflict reduction Improved relationships Better job performance Smooth cultural adjustment  In a nutshell, this is the goal of the course. Axiom 6: Intercultural Effectiveness is the Goal of ICC