Communicating Across Cultures

Communicating Across Cultures
Chapter 4: Communicating Across Cultures Ninth Edition Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Chapter Learning Goals
To recognize the cultural variables in the communication process and what factors can cause noise in that process To appreciate the cultural variables that affect communication for both the sender and the listener To be aware of the impact of IT on cross- border communications To learn how to manage cross-cultural business communications successfully Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Opening Profile: The Impact of Social Media on Global Business
Managers in international businesses are grappling with the question of how to benefit from social media networks Social media are potential sources of rich information outside the normal chain of communication Measuring the effectiveness of each source of social media is a challenge The opening profile demonstrates that communication is a critical factor in the cross-cultural management issues, particularly those of interpersonal nature, involving motivation, leadership, group interactions, and negotiation. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

The Communication Process
Communication is the process of sharing meaning by transmitting messages through media such as words, behavior, or material artifacts. As shown in this figure, there are several stages in this process in which meaning can be distorted. Anything that undermines the communication of an intended message is referred to as noise. Noise exists because people filter, or selectively understand, messages consistent with their own expectations and perceptions of reality, and their values and norms of behavior. As such, the more dissimilar the cultures of those involved, the more likely it is misinterpretation will occur. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Definition of Communication
Communication is the process of sharing meaning by transmitting messages through media such as words, behavior, or material artifacts. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Cultural Noise in International Communication
Behavior Attribution German: “What can be done to make sure this project is completed on time?” German: “I am giving him some responsibility.” Indian: “He is the boss, why is he asking me?” Indian: “I don’t know. What do you suggest?” German: “Can’t he take responsibility?” Indian: “I asked him for instructions.” When a member of one culture sends a message to a member of another culture, intercultural communication occurs. The message contains the meaning intended by the encoder, but the decoder’s culture ends up becoming part of the meaning as he/she interprets the message. Attribution is the process in which people look for an explanation of another person’s behavior. When someone does not understand another, he/she usually blames the confusion on the other’s “stupidity, deceit, or craziness.” This slide illustrates miscommunication and cultural noise by highlighting a portion of the example in Exhibit 4-7. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

When a member of one culture sends a message to a member of another culture, intercultural communication occurs. The message contains the meaning intended by the encoder, but the decoder’s culture ends up becoming part of the meaning as he/she interprets the message. Attribution is the process in which people look for an explanation of another person’s behavior. When someone does not understand another, he/she usually blames the confusion on the other’s “stupidity, deceit, or craziness.” This slide illustrates miscommunication and cultural noise by highlighting a portion of the example in Exhibit 4-7. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

The Culture-Communication Link: Trust in Communication
The meaning of trust and how it is communicated vary across societies When there is trust between parties, implicit understanding arises within communications Guidelines: Create a clear and calculated basis for natural benefit Improve predictability Develop mutual bonding Effective communication depends on the informal understandings among the parties involved that are based on the trust developed between them. When trust exists, there is implicit understanding within communication, cultural differences may be overlooked, and problems can be dealt with more easily. The meaning of trust and how it is developed and communicated vary across societies. Similarly, some cultures have a greater propensity to be trusting than others. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

The Culture-Communication Link: The Globe Project
Present objective information directly and specifically High Performance Orientation: United States Two-way discourse and friendly relationship Low Assertiveness: Sweden Avoid conflict, be supportive High Human Orientation: Ireland The GLOBE research discussed in Chapter 3 also illustrates culturally appropriate communication styles and expectations. These examples show how to draw implications for appropriate communication styles from research on cultural differences. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

India Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.
Location Southern Asia, bordering Bangladesh, 4,053 km; Bhutan, 605 km; Burma, 1,463 km; China, 3,380 km; Nepal, 1,690 km; and Pakistan, 2,912 km Capital New Delhi Population 1.28 billion (as of August 12, 2015.) Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Communicating in India—Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette
Under the Lens: India Communicating in India—Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette The different states of India have different official languages The central government named Hindi as the official language of India Indians are conscious of social order and status People define themselves by the groups to which they belong Indian names vary based on religion, social class, and region of the country The influences of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system have created a culture that emphasizes established hierarchical relationships. All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called gurus and are viewed as the source of all knowledge. The patriarch, usually the father, is considered the leader of the family. The boss is seen as the source of ultimate responsibility in business. Every relationship has a clear-cut hierarchy that must be observed for the social order to be maintained. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Cultural Variables in Communication
Attitudes Stereotyping Social Organization United Auto Workers (UAW) Thought Patterns The meaning of double lines These cultural variables (and those on the next slide) can affect communication via a person’s perceptions. The effects of these variables are interdependent and inseparable. Attitudes underlie our behavior, communication, and interpretation. Ethnocentric attitudes are a particular source of noise. Stereotyping occurs when a person assumes that every member of a society or subculture has the same characteristics. Astute managers deal with people as individuals. The kinds of social organizations we belong to can influence our perceptions. Examples of social organizations include one’s nation, tribe, religious sect, or profession. The logical progression of reasoning varies widely across cultures. Managers cannot assume others use the same reasoning processes. The text provides an example of a Canadian who misunderstood the meaning of double lines on the road in Thailand. He automatically assumed the lines meant “no passing”—just as they do in Canada. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Attitudes Attitudes We all know that our attitudes underlie the way we behave and communicate and the way we interpret messages from others. Ethnocentric attitudes are a particular source of noise in cross-cultural communication. In the incident described in Exhibit 4-2, both the Indian and the German are clearly attempting to interpret and convey meaning based on their own experiences of that kind of transaction. The German is probably guilty of stereotyping the Indian employee by quickly jumping to the conclusion that he is unwilling to take responsibility for the task and the scheduling. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

stereotyping This problem, stereotyping, occurs when a person assumes that every member of a society or subculture has the same characteristics or traits. Stereotyping is a common cause of misunderstanding in intercultural communication. It is an arbitrary, lazy, and often destructive way to find out about people. Astute managers are aware of the dangers of cultural stereotyping and deal with each person as an individual with whom they may form a unique relationship. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Social organization Our perceptions can be influenced by differences in values, approach, or priorities relative to the kind of social organizations to which we belong. These organizations may be based on one’s nation, tribe, or religious sect, or they may consist of the members of a certain profession. Examples of such organizations include the Academy of Management or the United Auto Workers (UAW).26 Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Thought Patterns The logical progression of reasoning varies widely around the world and greatly affects the communication process. Managers cannot assume that others use the same reasoning processes, as illustrated by the experience of a Canadian expatriate in Thailand, related in a book by Harris and Moran: Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Thought Patterns While in Thailand a Canadian expatriate’s car was hit by a Thai motorist who had crossed over the double line while passing another vehicle. After failing to establish that the fault lay with the Thai driver, the Canadian flagged down a policeman. After several minutes of seemingly futile discussion, the Canadian pointed out the double line in the middle of the road and asked the policeman directly, “What do these lines signify?” The policeman replied, “They indicate the center of the road and are there so I can establish just how far the accident is from that point.” The Canadian was silent. It had never occurred to him that the double line might not mean “no passing allowed.” Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Thought Patterns In the Exhibit 4-2 scenario, perhaps the German did not realize that the Indian employee had a different rationale for his time estimate for the job. Because the Indian was not used to having to estimate schedules, he just took a guess, which he felt he had been forced to do. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Roles Societies differ considerably in their perceptions of a manager’s role. Much of the difference is attributable to their perceptions of who should make the decisions and who has responsibility for what. In the Exhibit 4-2 example, the German assumes that his role as manager is to delegate responsibility, to foster autonomy, and to practice participative management. He prescribes the role of the employee without any consideration of whether the employee will understand that Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Roles The Indian’s frame of reference leads him to think that the manager is the boss and should give the order about when to have the job completed. He interprets the German’s behavior as breaking that frame of reference, and therefore he feels that the boss is “stupid and incompetent” for giving him the wrong order and for not recognizing and appreciating his accomplishments. The manager should have considered what behaviors Indian workers would expect of him and then either should have played that role or discussed the situation carefully, in a training mode. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

These cultural variables (and those on the next slide) can affect communication via a person’s perceptions. The effects of these variables are interdependent and inseparable. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Roles Decision making and responsibility Language “come out of the grave with Pepsi” When “yes” doesn’t mean “yes” Cultures differ in terms of their perceptions regarding who should make decisions and who has responsibility for what. When two people do not share a common language, communication problems arise. Even in countries that share the same language, problems can arise from the subtleties and nuances inherent in language. Because of increasing diversity, managers often have to deal with workforces that speak a variety of languages—even within a single country. Translation can be problematic as well. Pepsi provides one example of translation problems. As another example, when many Asians say “yes,” it often means only that they have heard you and are too polite to disagree. Sometimes how something is said is more important than what is said. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Roles When two people do not share a common language, communication problems arise. Even in countries that share the same language, problems can arise from the subtleties and nuances inherent in language. Because of increasing diversity, managers often have to deal with workforces that speak a variety of languages—even within a single country. Translation can be problematic as well. Pepsi provides one example of translation problems. As another example, when many Asians say “yes,” it often means only that they have heard you and are too polite to disagree. Sometimes how something is said is more important than what is said. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Language Spoken or written language, of course, is a frequent cause of miscommunication, stemming from a person’s inability to speak the local language, a poor or too-literal translation, a speaker’s failure to explain idioms, or a person missing the meaning conveyed through body language or certain symbols. Even among countries that share the same language, problems can arise from the subtleties and nuances inherent in the use of the language Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Language As noted by George Bernard Shaw: “Britain and America are two nations separated by a common language.” This problem can exist even within the same country among different subcultures or subgroups.Many international executives tell stories about lost business deals or lost sales because of communication blunders: Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Language When Pepsi Cola’s slogan “Come Alive with Pepsi” was introduced in Germany, the company learned that the literal German translation of “come alive” is “come out of the grave.” A U.S. airline found a lack of demand for its “rendezvous lounges” on its Boeing 747s. They later learned that “rendezvous” in Portuguese refers to a room that is rented for prostitution Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Language More than just conveying objective information, language also conveys cultural and social understandings from one generation to the next. Examples of how language reflects what is important in a society include the 6,000 different Arabic words used to describe camels and their parts Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Subtle messages account for between 65 to 93 percent of interpreted communication Minor variations in body language, speech rhythms, and punctuality often cause mistrust and misperception of the situation among cross-cultural parties Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal communication is behavior that communicates without words—though it often may accompanied by words. Nonverbal communication has been shown to account for between 65% and 93% of interpreted communication. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

The Media for Nonverbal Communication
Kinesic behavior—communication through body movements Proxemics—the influence of proximity and space on communication—both personal space and office space or layout High-contact cultures: prefer to stand close and to experience a “close” sensory involvement Low-contact cultures: have a “distant” style of body language Paralanguage—how something is said rather than the content Kinesic behavior is communication through body movement—e.g., posture, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact. The meaning of such behavior varies across countries. For example, in China sticking out the tongue indicates surprise, whereas widening one’s eyes indicates anger. Occulesics are a form of kinesics that includes eye contact and the use of the eyes to convey messages. For example, the British will look away from you while speaking in order to keep your attention. When they have finished speaking, they will signal it is your turn to talk by looking at you. Proxemics concern the influence of proximity and space on communication (e.g., in terms of personal space and in terms of office layout). For example, space communicates power in the US and Germany. Executives in the US may have large, private corner offices. French executives, however, communicate their central position by working in the middle of subordinates. In high-contact cultures, people stand close and touch a great deal when communicating. People in low-contact cultures prefer less sensory involvement when communicating. Often people from cooler climates and individual cultures are low-contact communicators. People from warmer climates and collectivistic cultures tend to be high-contact communicators. Paralanguage refers to how something is said, rather than the content of what is said—e.g., rate of speech, tone and inflection of voice, other noises, laughing, yawning, and silence. For example, the Chinese tend to spend about 30 seconds thinking before they speak. Americans are only comfortable with 10 to 15 seconds of silence. Object language or material culture refers to how we communicate through material artifacts—e.g., architecture, office design and furniture, clothing, cars, cosmetics, and time. In monochronic cultures, time is experienced linearly and as sometime to be spent, saved, made up, or wasted. Time orders life, and people tend to concentrate on one thing at a time. In polychronic cultures, people tolerate many things happening simultaneously and emphasize involvement with people. In these cultures, people may be highly distractible, focus on several things at once, and change plans often. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Under the Lens: Communicating Italian Style
Italians use the most body language when communicating Italians make about 250 gestures when talking and doing other things such as conversing on the cell phone Gestures are culture-specific, varying according to the area in Italy Italians tend to be gregarious, loud, and interrupt one another Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc

Under the Lens: How Feng Shui Affects Business
Directing “Qi” for positive results Experts read energy patterns and face buildings in a particular direction, design gardens in a positive way, and use Qi to influence an individual’s life Trump properties, Michael Rudder Fourth floor in China, Japan, Korea Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

The Media for Nonverbal Communication
Object language/material culture—the way we communicate through material artifacts Monochronic cultures (Switzerland, Germany, United States): time is experienced in a linear way Polychronic cultures (Latin Americans, Arabs): tolerate many things happening simultaneously and may focus on several things at once Object language or material culture refers to how we communicate through material artifacts—e.g., architecture, office design and furniture, clothing, cars, cosmetics, and time. In monochronic cultures, time is experienced linearly and as sometime to be spent, saved, made up, or wasted. Time orders life, and people tend to concentrate on one thing at a time. In polychronic cultures, people tolerate many things happening simultaneously and emphasize involvement with people. In these cultures, people may be highly distractible, focus on several things at once, and change plans often. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Forms of Nonverbal Communication
Facial expressions; eye contact Body posture; interpersonal distance Body contact Clothing cosmetics; hairstyles Para language Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Object Language/Material Culture
Open displays of wealth Japanese ‘meishi’ or business cards Mexico: appreciating the architecture and family photos Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Context High Context Cultures Low Context Cultures
Feelings and thoughts are not explicitly expressed; key information is embedded in the context Personal and business relationships are more compartmentalized, communication has to be more explicit. Feelings and thoughts are expressed in words Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Cultural Context and Its Effect on Communication
The context in which the communication takes place affects the meaning and interpretation of the interaction. High context cultures do not express feelings and thoughts explicitly. Rather, one has to read between the lines and interpret meaning from one’s general understanding. Low context cultures usually compartmentalize personal and business relationships. As such, communication must be more explicit. To illustrate, Germans will expect considerable detailed information before making a business decision. Arabs will base decisions more on knowledge of the people involved. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Management In Action: Oriental Poker Face
“Oriental poker face” and “idiotic Asian smile” American mask of confidence Americans often have difficulty reading some Asian facial expressions—especially those referred to as the “poker face” and “idiotic smile.” To Americans, who tend to put more emphasis on talking when communicating, these facial expressions seem to conceal the person’s real feelings. Asians, however, tend to put more emphasis on listening when communicating. Because the heavier burden is placed on the listener, the speaker feels less compunction to send clearly discernable message cues. The cues that are sent can be very subtle and easy for Americans to miss. To Americans, silence represents discontinuity of communication and creates discomfort. To Asians, silence is an integral part of the communication process and is used to reflect on messages previously exchanged and for crafting thoughts before speaking them. Just as Americans are uncomfortable with the “Oriental poker face” and silence, Asians may find Americans overly blunt, confident, and talkative. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Comparative Management in Focus: Communicating with Arabs
Arabs are quick to “sound off” Communication is built on friendship, honor, hospitality, religion Arabs are high-contact communicators Time is the key in communication process: deadlines are considered rude and pushy Arab culture is one of emotional extremes, and this characteristic is illustrated in the language—which contains means for over expression, many adjectives, and words that allow for exaggeration. Arabs tend to do business with other people—not with the organization. As such, establishing relationships and protecting the honor of others is very important. For instance, one should not decline offers of hospitality, should expect conversations to be meandering (e.g., wander from social to business topics and back), and should be careful not to criticize in front of others. As high-contact communicators, Arabs tend to stand closer when talking and to touch more frequently. The distance often preferred by Americans can make them seem suspicious and cold to Arabs. Arabs are polychronic and believe that something will happen only is Allah wills it to happen. As such, it is inappropriate to place deadlines on activities, and many interruptions during conversations should be anticipated. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Copyright ©20174 Pearson Education,
Miscommunication between Americans and Arabs caused by cross-cultural noise Avoid expressing doubts or criticism when others are present—recognize the importance of honor and dignity to Arabs. Adapt to the norms of body language, flowery speech, and circuitous verbal patterns in the Middle East and don’t be impatient to get to the point. Expect many interruptions in meetings, delays in schedules, and changes in plans. Copyright ©20174 Pearson Education, © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Communication Channels
Information systems Speed of information flow and use Informal sources of information Communication Channels In addition to variables related to the sender and receiver, variables related to the communication channel are also important for understanding the message. Organizations vary in where and how information originates. For instance, in the US managers use a great deal of delegation. As such, much information flows from the staff to the manager. In South America, however, decision-making tends to be centralized—meaning that information tends to flow from the manager downward. In Japanese ringi systems, decision making is consensual. In high-context cultures, information tends to spread very rapidly. In low-context cultures, information is focused and controlled. It does not flow as freely. Because Americans tend to have a wide “public self,” they often provide more open access to informal sources of information. The Japanese, however, tend to maintain a strong barrier between their public and private selves. The Japanese may have a drink together on the way home from work as a means of sharing informal information. However, this type of activity usually only occurs among people with long-term relationships. As another example, Americans often prefer quick forms of communication—e.g., faxes, , letters with all facts and plans stated up front. Alternatively, the French prefer slower communication media. They prefer written communication, and several exchanges of letters may be required to build up to the main point or proposal. The Japanese ningensei style of communication emphasizes saving and giving face, reciprocity, and an underlying distrust of words and analytic logic. The Japanese believe words mask true intentions. Public disagreement is avoided at all costs. Americans, on the other hand, tend to be more explicit, direct, verbose, task oriented, and confrontational. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Information Systems In centralized organizational structures as in South America, most information originates from top managers In the US information flows from the staff to managers Japan: ringi system High context cultures: information spreads rapidly and freely Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Speed of Information Americans expect to give and receive information very quickly and clearly French use slower message channels of deep relationships, culture, mediators Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Japanese “Ningensei” vs. US Adversial Style
Indirect verbal and non-verbal communication; non- confrontational Relationship communication; ambiguous Group orientation Softer, sympathetic Direct, confrontational communication accepted Task communication, to-the-point Individualistic Favors “odd” reason Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Information Technology: Going Global and Acting Local
Global reach does not necessarily mean global business The Web is interpersonal, but may require greater cultural sensitivity Global online strategy must also be multi-local Technology makes it very easy reach markets around the world. Nonetheless, global business will not necessarily be achieved unless companies can adapt their e-commerce to local idiosyncrasies. The impersonal nature of the web must be adapted to local cultures to establish relationships and win customer loyalty. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Developing Cultural Sensitivity
Read a map: Familiarize yourself with the local geography to avoid making insulting mistakes Dress up: In some countries, casual dress is a sign of disrespect Talk small: Talking about wealth, power, or status—corporate or personal—can create resentment No slang: Even casual profanity is unacceptable Slow down Americans talk fast, eat fast, move fast, live fast. Many cultures do not Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Developing Cultural Sensitivity Continued
Listen as much as you talk: Ask people you’re visiting about themselves and their way of life Speak lower and slower: A loud voice is often perceived as bragging Religious restraint: In many countries, religion is not a subject for public discussion Political restraint: Steer clear of this If someone is attacking U.S. policies, agree to disagree Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Managing Cross-Cultural Communication
Develop cultural sensitivity Anticipate the meaning the receiver will get Careful encoding Use words, pictures, and gestures Avoid slang, idioms, regional sayings Selective Transmission Build relationships, face-to-face if possible Careful decoding of feedback Get feedback from multiple parties Improve listening and observation skills Follow-up actions There are several things a manager can do to encourage effective cross-cultural communication. One can attempt to anticipate the likely meaning a receiver will attach to a message by internalizing honest cultural empathy with that person. The latter includes thinking about the context of the communication—e.g., societal, economic, and organizational. Keep in mind that communication is both verbal and nonverbal. Encoding a message in multiple ways can help ensure the receiver gets the right meaning—especially when language differences are an issue. For instance, it may be helpful to provide a written summary as a supplement to a verbal presentation. The medium chosen for the message depends on a variety of factors. The key is to find out how communication is transmitted in the local organization—e.g., how much is downward or upward, how much is vertical, how the grapevine works. Of course, cultural variables need to be considered as well. Face-to-face relationships often are best for relationship-building. Personal interaction also allows for immediate verbal and visual feedback. When face-to-face communication is not possible, teleconferencing and telephone calls may be more desirable than . Just as multiple media and sources are important for encoding, they can help ensure a message is accurately decoded. It can be useful to ask colleagues to help interpret what is going on. To keep lines of communication open, managers must follow through with what has been discussed and agreed upon. Contract follow through can be particularly difficult given that cultures have different ideas about what constitutes a contract. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

Facilitating Intercultural Communication
Open mindedness, tolerance for ambiguity, and extrovertedness Openness Having an internal locus of control, persistence, a tolerance for ambiguity, and resourcefulness Resilience There is a connection between a person’s personality traits and the ability to adapt to the host-country’s environment—including the ability to communicate within that environment. Two key personality traits are openness and resilience. Openness includes traits such as tolerance for ambiguity, extrovertedness, and open-mindedness. Resilience includes having an internal locus of control, persistence, tolerance for ambiguity, and resourcefulness. These factors, combined with the person’s cultural and racial identity and level of preparedness for change, comprise that person’s potential for adaptation. Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2010 Pearson Prentice Hall

There is a connection between a person’s personality traits and the ability to adapt to the host-country’s environment—including the ability to communicate within that environment. Two key personality traits are openness and resilience. Openness includes traits such as tolerance for ambiguity, extrovertedness, and open-mindedness. Resilience includes having an internal locus of control, persistence, tolerance for ambiguity, and resourcefulness. These factors, combined with the person’s cultural and racial identity and level of preparedness for change, comprise that person’s potential for adaptation. Copyright ©2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Conclusion Cultural sensitivity
Awareness of potential sources of cultural noise Culture is the foundation of communication High-context vs. low context Careful encoding and selective transmission Cultural localization on the Internet Copyright ©2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

Copyright © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc. 57

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