1. Why did she do that? Ways of viewing intercultural communication

4. Hall, 1959 High-context & low-context cultures Adapted from UBC Centre for Intercultural Communication 2005 High-context Low-context Most information resides in receiver and setting. Most information resides in explicit messages. Receiver must ‘intuit’ meaning of the message. Sender must make the message clear. Emphasis on relational aspects of the message. Emphasis on direct, unambiguous messages. HR decisions based on maintaining stability of cultural patterns. HR decisions based on skills and rules only. Cultural patterns slow to change. Culture is receptive to change.

7. Hofstede, 1996 - Values Framework Collectivism vs. Individualism Adapted from UBC Centre for Intercultural Communication 2005 Collectivist Individualist Extended families/groups provide protection; require loyalty Individual responsible for self and immediate family High-context communication (Hall) Low-context communication (Hall) Harmony important; direct confrontations avoided Speaking one’s mind = honesty Relationships prevail over task Task prevails over relationship Private life invaded by group(s) Everyone has right to privacy Ultimate goal: harmony and consensus Ultimate goal: self-actualization

8. Hofstede, 1996 - Values Framework High vs. low power distance Adapted from UBC Centre for Intercultural Communication 2005 Inequalities should be minimized Inequalities are expected and desired Parents and children are equals Parents teach children obedience; children treat parents with respect Students expected to take some initiative Teachers expected to take all initiative Privileges and status symbols frowned upon Privileges and status symbols sought Narrow salary range within organizations Wide salary range within organizations Low power distance High power distance