1. Week

2. Appetiser Which of these is correct?  a) a billion is a million million or b) a billion is a thousand million?  Is 12/11/2013 a) 12 th November 2013 or b) 11 th of December 2013?  Is 4,000 a) four thousand or b) four?

3. Questions that we’ll answer today What are the interpretative and positivist approaches to studying culture? What is the key theory in this area of study? What might I need to do when communicating with people from different cultures in the written word? What implications does this have for the assignment?

4. Some key definitions According to Gudykunst in (V&B 2011 p28) cross cultural communication involves a comparison – communication in one culture is looked at first, then within a second so that the two can be compared eg planning a marketing campaign that will appeal to customers in other countries Intercultural communication occurs when people from two or more cultures interact (V&B 2011 p28). Involves analysis of what is happening at the point when communication takes place eg negotiating with people from different cultures ‘Culture and communication are closely connected. Culture is learned and shared through communication, and communication is based in cultural norms...learning another language alone cannot help us understand another culture’(Varner and Beamer 2011 p26)

5. More key definitions There are 2 main approaches to communications research they are: A positivist approach – seen as a scientific approach. Usually collect quantitative data (numerical) An Interpretivist approach – more subjective takes into account the human element in social research. Usually collects qualitative data (words)

6. Positivist v Interpretivist approaches compared Positivist approachInterpretivist approach View of realityObjective and can be observed by any researcher Subjective, is a construct of each individual researcher View of researchImpartial, observation does not affect what is being studied The social scientific researcher will always have some impact on those being studied Objective of researchDescribe and predicts communication behaviour Describes communication behaviour and reasons reported by subjects under study Methods of studyObservation and or surveys/questionnaires Field research eg interviews, ethnographic research What study producesIdentification of cultural variables in behaviour; conclusions that may be generalisable to other cultures Explanations of culture and communication in a social context. Not generalisable

7. Summary Finish these sentences in your own words: Cross cultural communication is........................... Intercultural communication is............................. The positivist approach to research is................... The interpretative approach to research is............

8. Bridge Last week we looked at English and how it differed in different places. Now we’re going to look at the key theory in this area which will lead on to considering how different cultures like to organise their communication in writing

9. The Big Picture 1) What are core elements of Hall’s theory? 2) How can Hall’s theory be applied to organisational situations? 3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of Hall’s theory? 4) What does Hofstede’s theory add to our understanding of culture? 5) What are some of the concerns about Hofstede’s theory?

10. Hall’s Theory of Intercultural Communication Hall is considered the founder of the field of intercultural communication He focuses on the non verbal interactions between people of different cultures His approach accepts cultural differences and is non judgemental

11. Hall’s core thesis He suggested that different cultures have different relationships with personal distance (space) That they have a different relationship with time (monochronic and polychronic) That context of what is said in some cultures is more important than what is actually said (high context cultures) as opposed to low context cultures where what is said is what is meant

12. High v Low Context Cultures High context cultures Low context cultures Long-lasting relationships Exploiting context Spoken agreements Insiders and outsiders clearly distinguished Cultural patterns ingrained, slow change Shorter relationships Less dependent on context Written agreements Insiders and outsiders less clearly distinguished Cultural patterns change faster

13. High v low context cultures Low context High context Japanese Arabian Latin American Spanish Italian English (UK) French English (US) Scandinavian German Swiss EXPLICIT IMPLICIT

14. High v low context illustration

15. Applying Hall’s theory In two groups read the scenario and decide which element of Hall’s theory applies Consider what each party is thinking/feeling and suggest what could be done next time to ensure a better outcome for both parties Then consider some criticisms of Hall’s theory

16. Hall’s main thesis He suggested that different cultures have different relationships with personal distance (space) That they have a different relationship with time (monochronic and polychronic) That context of what is said in some cultures is more important than what is actually said (high context cultures) as opposed to low context cultures where what is said is what is meant

17. Summary of Hall’s theory Can you: 1)Identify the three main elements of Hall’s theory? 2)Give an example of a organisational situation in which the theory might apply? 3)Consider some advantages and disadvantages of Hall’s theory?

18. What about Hofstede? He is the most quoted social scientist in history...but its not all good! Here is a pictorial representation of this main thesis then we will look at it in more detail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gJzRS0I7tA&featur e=related

19. Hofstede’s dimensions Individualism and Collectivism focuses on the degree the society reinforces individual or collective achievement and interpersonal relationships Power Distance focuses on the degree of equality, or inequality, between people in the country's society Masculinity/feminity focuses on the degree the society reinforces, or does not reinforce, the traditional masculine work role model of male achievement, control, and power Uncertainty avoidance focuses on the level of tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity within the society - i.e. unstructured situations Long-term orientation focuses on the degree the society embraces, or does not embrace, long-term devotion to traditional, forward thinking values. Indulgence v restraint (added later) focuses on the extent to which society allows gratification of human drives related to enjoying life or having strict social norms

20. Hofstede in action STUDENT ACTIVITY: go to the following website: http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html and look up the a country that you know well (preferably not the UK), see if you agree with Hofstede’s analysis of that country http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html Put in the 2 countries (or somewhere close) that you are looking at for the assignment. Compare them to the UK Create a powerpoint slide demonstrating what some of the key difference are and the implications for you working together

21. Summary of Hofstede’s theory It can be a useful starting point to understand the potential dynamics of inter-cultural communication Profiles do not exist for all countries Be aware of the criticisms of how the research was carried out and therefore its possible limitations

22. Examples of written communication In groups look at the letters you have been given: Are they examples of high or low context communication?  What does the author want?  When do they make clear what they want?  How would someone from a low/high context feel when receiving this letter?  How might someone from a low/high context culture have written the letter?

23. Organising written communication to other cultures According to Varner and Beamer (2011) there are 2 main approaches to organising messages:  1) Direct plan:  typically western, low context (Hall).  Tend to get the message across clearly and concisely, choosing words for exact meaning and eliminating unnecessary words  Sentences are short, they often use active verbs signifying doing  Get to the main point first then may explore background later

24. Organising written communication to other cultures cont Indirect plan:  Tends to be Eastern, high context cultures (Hall)  Does not start with the main message  Spends time nourishing the relationship or developing the context first  This indirectness achieves 5 results for the writer – i) diffusing responsibility, ii) revealing the subtlety of the writer, iii) digressing to embellish the message iv) elaborating to show courtesy v) developing a communication context

25. Formal and Informal Styles Degree of formality is related to:  Power distance (Hofstede) – high power distance = more formality eg. Dr, Professor, Mrs  Power difference – may address staff differently to managers depending on the organisation (or culture)  Situational context – depending on the purpose of writing eg business or personal enquiry  Tone – even in writing but only have the words not pitch Getting the style right for a given situation demonstrated good cultural intelligence

26. 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?

27. Summary We’ve looked at key theory and practice which will be useful for you both next week and in the follow up activity (we will review it in week 6 as it is quite complicated) Have you got your virtual platform set up? If notebook have you invited me? Remember when you come next week sit on your normal tables (not with your group). Set up a laptop. You will be given written instructions. DO NOT TALK!

28. Out of Class Learning Chapter 3 p93-105 & Chapter 5 of the core text: Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace 5 th Ed by Iris Varner and Linda Beamer

29. Week 6  Theory review  Non verbal communication  Listening skills  Assertiveness Any questions?