(Tiểu luận) topic one low context and high context interaction patterns

Whether it''''s closing cultural gaps or being open to and adapting to thecomplexities of communication in love and other relationships in work and life,recognizing and embracing diversity

FOREIGN TRADE UNIVERSITY

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACULTY

-*** -INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COURSE GROUP 04 INTERACTION PAPER

Instructor: Gary Ruud, Ph.D.

Students:

Nguyễn Thị Hồng Anh - 2011280202

Hà Phương Thảo - 2012280036

Trần Thảo Minh Nhi - 2012280029

Nguyễn Thị Quỳnh Như - 2012280030

Lê Hữu Phúc - 2014280203

Phạm Minh Tuấn - 2013280038

Hanoi, September 2023

I Introduction 3

II Topic One: Low-context and High Context Interaction Patterns 3

III Topic Two: Love Attitudes & Expectations 7

The existence and development of humans, of civilizations, and of the communities that

we see and live in today have one fundamental element that always stands out as the pillar that supports our common experiences: communication This aspect of our lives shapes human interactions, transcends cultural boundaries, and connects us in profound and complex ways To explore the depth of communication in general and intercultural communication in particular, this research paper explores two topics that are quite familiar but that we may not be fully aware of in some way It delves into the rich complexity of how we convey meaning, build connections, and navigate the complex dynamics of human interaction

We will first approach the complex world of communication, dissecting the concepts of low-context and high-context interaction patterns These models show how communication differs across cultures, emphasizing that understanding diverse communication styles requires a deep awareness of cultural norms and contexts Then we will come to an extremely close and equally important topic - love - a universal emotion that unites us all but is expressed diversely in cultures We will shed light on the psychology of love, its role

in emotional development, and its profound impact on our need for connection and belonging

From there, we can draw conclusions about the multifaceted and complex nature of communication as well as cross-cultural communication It emphasizes that effective communication requires effort, sensitivity, and an understanding of the different layers that influence it Whether it's closing cultural gaps or being open to and adapting to the complexities of communication in love and other relationships in work and life, recognizing and embracing diversity in communication is essential to promoting understanding, resolving conflict, and nurturing connections in our increasingly globalized world

II Topic One: Low-context and High Context Interaction Patterns

1 Definition

Hall (1976) claimed that human interaction, on a broad level, is divided into low-context and high-context communication systems In low-context communication (LCC), the

emphasis is on how intention or meaning is expressed through explicit verbal messages In high-context communication (HCC), the emphasis is on how intention or meaning is conveyed through the embedded contexts (e.g., social roles or positions, relationship types, intergroup history) and the nonverbal channels (e.g., pauses, silence, tone of voice) of the verbal message

In general, LCC refers to communication patterns of direct, matter-of-fact tone, transparency, assertiveness, and sender-oriented values (i.e., the sender assumes the responsibility to communicate clearly) In the LCC system, the speaker is expected to be responsible for constructing a clear, persuasive message that the listener can decode easily The value priority in LCC style is "say what you mean, mean what you say" as a mode of respect for verbal honesty and personal accountability In comparison, HCC style refers to communication patterns of indirect; tactful, nonverbal tone; diplomatic talk; self-humbling speech; and receiver-sensitive values (i.e., the interpreter of the message assumes the responsibility to infer the hidden or contextual meanings of the message; Ting-Toomey,

1985, 1988a, 1988b) In the HCC system, the listener or interpreter of the message is expected to "read between the lines" and infer the nonverbal subtleties that accompany the verbal message The value priority in HCC style is "don't say anything that will hurt the other's feelings" as a mode of interpersonal sensitivity for other-centric consideration (Gudykunst et al., 1996)

Low-context and high-context interaction patterns have significant impacts on various aspects of human interaction:

Relationship Building:

- Low-Context: Low-context communication patterns can make it easier to establish relationships with individuals from different cultural backgrounds because of the explicit nature of communication However, it may sometimes be seen as impersonal or lacking in depth

- High-Context: High-context communication patterns emphasize the importance of building deep and long-lasting relationships Trust and understanding are often built over time through shared experiences and implicit communication cues

Conflict Resolution:

- Low-Context: In low-context cultures, conflicts are often addressed directly and openly People tend to express their concerns and differences explicitly, which can lead to quicker resolution but may also escalate conflicts

- High-Context: High-context cultures may avoid direct confrontation and prefer indirect methods of conflict resolution Issues may be addressed more subtly, relying on non-verbal cues or intermediaries to mediate conflicts

Decision-Making:

- Low-Context: Decision-making in low-context cultures tends to be rational and based on objective criteria It may involve formal processes and explicit discussions

- High-Context: High-context cultures may rely more on consensus-building and group dynamics in decision-making Implicit cues and shared values play a significant role

in the process

Business and Professional Settings:

- Low-Context: Low-context communication is often prevalent in business and professional settings in Western cultures Contracts, agreements, and instructions are typically explicit and legally binding

- High-Context: High-context communication can be found in many Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cultures Building trust and relationships are crucial in business, and communication may be more indirect and relationship-focused

Misunderstandings:

- Low-Context: Misunderstandings in low-context communication often arise from ambiguous language or misinterpretations of explicit statements

- High-Context: Misunderstandings in high-context communication may occur when individuals from different cultural backgrounds fail to grasp implicit cues or shared cultural context

In summary, low-context and high-context interaction patterns have a significant impact on how people communicate, build relationships, resolve conflicts, make decisions, and conduct business Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and interaction, as it helps individuals navigate cultural differences and avoid misunderstandings

In the context of intercultural business communication, the contrast between Low Context Communication (LCC) and High Context Communication (HCC) becomes abundantly evident Consider a hypothetical scenario involving two companies from distinct cultural backgrounds negotiating a business deal Company A, hailing from a Western individualistic culture, embodies the essence of LCC Their approach to communication is characterized by explicitness and a focus on written contracts In their initial meeting with Company B, they lay out the terms and conditions of the proposed partnership in meticulous detail, leaving no room for ambiguity Each aspect of the agreement, from pricing to deadlines, is spelled out explicitly, and the negotiation process is linear and transparent

In contrast, Company B originates from an East Asian collectivist culture, where HCC prevails Their communication style is deeply rooted in context, relationships, and non-verbal cues When meeting with Company A, they begin the discussion with lengthy pleasantries, engaging in small talk to establish rapport and trust The details of the partnership are only hinted at, and key aspects are left unspoken, relying on the assumption that a shared cultural context will fill in the gaps Company B values harmony and face-saving, which translates into a subtle, indirect negotiation process

As the negotiations progress, tensions arise Company A perceives Company B's communication as evasive and frustratingly vague, leading to misunderstandings about the terms of the agreement On the other hand, Company B feels that Company A's insistence

on explicitness and documentation is impersonal and indicates a lack of trust This remarkable contrast in communication styles, rooted in their respective cultural backgrounds, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the influence of culture on business interactions It also highlights the necessity of cultural sensitivity and adaptability when engaging in international business negotiations, as bridging the gap between Low Context Communication and High Context Communication can be the key to successful cross-cultural collaborations

Discover more

from:

Document continues below

Cross culture

Trường Đại học…

24 documents

Go to course

Sony Culture and it's evolution

Cross culture None

2

Sony's culture -Slides

Cross culture None

6

Cross cultural

management test… Cross culture None

193

Values Inventory chap 2

Cross culture None

2

Cross Culture -gklerjglekrglrgjrtjgrtgr Cross culture None

19

Chapter 8 Human Resource Selection…

8

3 Insight

The key insight drawn from this scenario is the important role that cultural variations in communication style play in shaping the outcomes of cross-cultural business interactions These differences, whether explicit or implicit, carry profound implications

In the global business landscape, the ability to navigate these differences with sensitivity and adaptability is the key to success It is proof that understanding and adapting to these variations is not simply a matter of taste but a strategic imperative

Grasping these insights is like possessing a key that can open the doors to effective cross-cultural collaboration It must be recognized that the effectiveness of communication extends beyond words and phrases, to the very core of culture By valuing this understanding, individuals and businesses can forge deeper, more harmonious, and ultimately more prosperous international relationships

III Topic Two: Love Attitudes & Expectations

1 Definition

Love, an intricate and powerful emotion, plays an undeniable role in human life, transcending cultures, languages, and time It is a force that binds individuals together, often profoundly shaping the course of their existence Love forms the foundation of our relationships, providing us with a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfillment While scholars and poets alike have struggled with defining love throughout history, its impact on human life is undeniable

In the field of psychology and human communication, love is often considered a fundamental aspect of our emotional well-being and social functioning Psychologist John Bowlby, in his attachment theory, emphasized the importance of early experiences of love and attachment in shaping an adult’s relationships and communication patterns Love, in this context, serves as a foundational element in the development of trust, empathy, and emotional intelligence

Cross culture None

Abraham Maslow, in his renowned hierarchy of needs, placed love and belongingness at the center of human motivation Love, for Maslow, is a psychological need that drives individuals to seek affection, companionship, and intimacy In the context of human communication, it is this need for connection and belonging that drives our interactions with others Love serves as a powerful motivator for effective communication, as it motivates individuals to express themselves, understand, and empathize with their loved ones

Furthermore, love's significance in human life is highlighted by research on successful relationships Renowned relationship expert John Gottman's work emphasizes the crucial role of love in building and maintaining healthy partnerships Love, in the context of committed relationships, becomes the base for effective communication, conflict resolution, and maintaining emotional intimacy

The role of love in human life is multifaceted and profound It shapes our emotional development, fuels our need for connection and belonging, and serves as a catalyst for effective communication Recognizing the fundamental role of love in human existence allows us to appreciate its impact on our psychological and communicative processes, fostering deeper insights into the human experience

Love, in the complex story of human existence, is a force that transcends boundaries, defies categorization, and encapsulates the essence of our common humanity It is a complex and multifaceted emotion that permeates our lives, shaping our thoughts, actions, and relationships In the realm of psychological and human communication, attempting to define love is like grasping the essence of life itself - a task both difficult and stimulating Psychologically, love is often described as a deep and intense emotional state characterized

by affection, care, passion, and a deep sense of connection towards someone or something

It encompasses a wide range of emotions, from the tender feelings we have for family and friends to the burning passion of romantic love Psychologists have long sought to unravel the intricacies of love, recognizing its role in human happiness and fulfillment Attachment theory suggests that our early experiences with caregivers shape our capacity to love and

form relationships throughout our lives (Bowlby, 1969) Moreover, love is viewed as a basic human need, essential for our mental and psychological health

In the realm of human communication, love is expressed through countless channels It could be a warm smile, a comforting touch, and shared stories Love is not limited to verbal language but it is conveyed through nonverbal signals, actions, and even silence (Burgoon and Hale, 1988) It is the unspoken understanding, shared laughter, and the silent support offered in times of need Love is the glue that binds relationships, the fuel that ignites passions, and the balm that soothes wounds (Berscheid and Walster, 1974) Although it is still challenging to grasp an exact definition of love, its significance in human communication is undeniable Love shapes our intentions, colors our perceptions, and guides our actions It is the driving force behind our desire to connect, to understand, and to be understood Love is the essence of empathy, the foundation of compassion, and meaningful human connections

Within the complexity of love, communication emerges as the medium through which attitudes and expectations are expressed It is the bridge between our innermost feelings and the outside world In essence, communication is the root of love

Through the words and gestures we share, they convey the depth of our affection, the level

of our commitment, and our expectations Expressions are varied and it is through these intricate forms of communication that we express our feelings At the same time, in these intimate exchanges, our deepest desires and fears find voice (John Mordechai Gottman, 2009) Miscommunication or lack of communication can be a source of misunderstanding and conflict, while effective communication serves as a bridge to common understanding and emotional connection (Braithwaite and Baxter, 2006)

Moreover, cultural norms and values play an important role in shaping how love is communicated Different cultures communicate love in different ways In intercultural relationships, understanding these nuances becomes critical, as they influence how love is perceived and responded to (David Louis Schoem and Hurtado, 2004) Thus, exploring the