Cross-cultural communication can be a tricky task, particularly when dealing with low-context and high-context cultures. Low-context cultures, such as the UK, rely on explicit communication, while high-context cultures, such as China, rely more on implicit communication and non-verbal cues. These differences in communication styles can often lead to misunderstandings and confusion, as seen in the examples provided.
For instance, when dealing with high-context cultures, it is not uncommon for the other party to assume that the details of a conversation are already known. In one example, that happened to me recently, the other party requested a call in a week and mentioned they would confirm the time later. However, when they failed to confirm the time, they called repeatedly, assuming that the time had been confirmed, however, I was busy with a client. In another example, the other party requested outlines for workshops and did not get back to me when they failed to win the business, which is normal. Two months later, they sent over the workshop details and a calendar invitation, without informing me that they had won the business. As a result, I was already booked for another event and could not commit.
To avoid such misunderstandings, the following tips may be helpful:
Research cultural differences: It is crucial to understand the cultural differences between your culture and the other party’s culture. This includes learning about their communication styles, values, and customs.
Be patient: High-context cultures tend to take longer to build relationships and make decisions. Be patient and allow for the process to take its course.
Clarify expectations: Be clear about your expectations and ask the other party about theirs. This includes communication frequency, response times, and deadlines.
Use simple language: To ensure that your message is understood, use simple and concise language that can translate well across cultures.
Pay attention to non-verbal cues: High-context cultures rely heavily on non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. Pay attention to the other party’s non-verbal cues and try to interpret their meaning.
Repeat key points: Repeat key points to ensure that both parties are on the same page. This can help avoid misunderstandings and clarify expectations.
Confirm agreements in writing: It is always advisable to confirm agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings. This includes communication plans, project timelines, and any other critical information.
Adapt to the other party’s communication style: Be flexible and adapt to the other party’s communication style. For instance, if they prefer phone calls over email, be willing to adapt to their preference.
Build relationships: High-context cultures value relationships and trust. Invest time in building relationships with the other party to establish trust and facilitate communication.
Seek feedback: Seek feedback from the other party to ensure that you are meeting their communication needs. This can help you improve your communication and build stronger relationships.
Research has shown that cultural differences can significantly impact cross-cultural communication. For example, Hall and Hall (1990) found that high-context cultures rely more on non-verbal cues and indirect communication, while low-context cultures rely more on explicit communication. Similarly, Hofstede (1980) found that cultural differences can affect communication styles, attitudes towards time, and decision-making processes.
Cross-cultural communication can be challenging, but by understanding cultural differences, being patient, and adapting to the other party’s communication style, it is possible to build successful relationships and avoid misunderstandings, such as the examples provided.