Download - Intercultural Communication
Culminating Signature AssignmentFosterJED50428-8
Intercultural CommunicationNorthcentral University
Positive Intercultural Communication
AgendaIntercultural Communication
Best Practices
Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
Why is Diversity Important?
Agenda (continued…)
Kohls & Hofstede Cultural Values
Avoiding Unhealthy Stereotypes
Nonverbal Strategies
Intercultural Communication Best Practices
1. Avoid assumptions or jokes
2. Use symbols, diagrams, & pictures
3. Avoid using slang and idioms
4. Investigate their perception
5. Take differences into account
6. Use understandable language
7. Educate yourself
More Best PracticesIn oral communication: In written
communication:
• Speak slowly and clearly
• Be careful with pronunciation
• Simplify speech • Make one point at a
time • Adapt tone of voice,
style and behavior to what is culturally acceptable to your audience
• Watch the other person for misunderstanding and be ready to provide feedback
• Use short, simple sentences and short paragraphs
• Number points for clarity
• Reflect your relationship with the reader in your choice of words
• Be very careful with translation
• Avoid acronyms and idiomatic expressions
- Bovee, C.L. & Thill, J.V. (2005)
Develop a sense of cultural
awareness
Do away with ethnocentris
m Learn to adapt
Be more tolerant
Listen carefully and empathize
Look beyond the
superficial
Take responsibility for the communication
Even More Best Practices
Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
Why is this important?
Success3 21
Respect
Being Unique
Stereotypes are
damaging
What is Diversity?
Exploring Kohls
& Hofstede
Personal Control over Environment
Change Time and its Control
Equality/ Egalitarianis
m
Individualism & Privacy Self-Help
Competition & Free
EnterpriseFuture
Orientation
Action/Work Orientation Informality
Directness, Openness, &
HonestyPracticality & Efficiency
Materialism /
Acquisitiveness
Kohls’ “Values Americans Live By”
Exploring Kohl
& Hofstede
1.
Power/Distance
2.
Individualism
3.
Masculinity
4.
Uncertainty/Avoidance
Index
5.
Long Term Orientation
6.
Indulgence vs Restraint
Hofstede’s Value Dimensions of Culture
Are these Stereotypes?• Japanese woman are gentle• Americans are very independent• Chinese people use chopsticks to eat• Girls are emotional• Boys are good at sports
• China is a communist country• French people love food• Asians are good at memorizing things• People from India are poor and dirty• Mexicans are good landscapers
Stereotyping
allows forPower
Dominance
Reasons why Stereotyping Hampers Intercultural Communication
Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 Reason 4
It filters information –
Confirms what we already know
Assumes every one is the same in a cultural
group
They are over-
simplified, exaggerated,
and over-generalized
They are resistant to
change – Grow
stronger with time
Ask yourself?
What is the content?
2
What is the source?
3
Why do I believe it?
4
How much contact do
I have?
5 Who is the target?
1
Avoiding Stereotypes
Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal65%
Verbal35%
Communication
Improving Nonverbal Skills
Be conscious of nonverbal behaviorBe purposeful in use in non-verbalsMake sure non-verbals are not
distractingMatch verbal & nonverbal
communicationAdapt to the situationKnow your culture
When SENDING messages:
Improving Nonverbal Skills
Pay attention to all aspects of non-verbals
Consider gender, culture, and individual differences
Don’t automatically assumeUse perception checking
When RECEIVING messages:
Questions Around the Topics?
Thank you for your time!
?
ReferencesAdler, N.J. (2008). International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior, 5th ed.
Eagan, MN: Thomson/South Western. Pg. 79
Barnlund, D.C. (1968). Interpersonal Communication: Survey and Studies.Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Pgs. 536-537.
Bovee, C.L. & Thill, J.V. (2005). Business communication today. 8th edition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall International, Inc.
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values, 2nd Ed. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.
Kohls, L. R., (1986). The Values Americans Live By.
http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/pages/faculty/alee/extra/American_values.html
Samovar, L., Porter, R., McDaniel, E. Roy, C. (2013). Communication between cultures. 8th ed. Boston, MA: Wadworth. Pg. 233.
Ting-Toomey, S. & Chung, L.C. (2005). Understanding Intercultural Communication.Los Angeles: Roxbury. Pg. 93.
Varner, I. and Beamer, L. (1995). Intercultural communication in the global workplace. USA: pg. 2.