4 Culture & Communication

Level M

Prepared by: MOH Quality checked by: RHR

Copyright 2010 APIIT/UCTI

Continuing Professional Development

CPD-M

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Slide * of 11

At the end of this session, YOU should be able to :

Explain concepts of CultureDiscuss cultural differencesIdentify Cultural Barriers to CommunicationDemonstrate better Cross-Cultural Communication

Learning Outcomes

*

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Goals

Raise our awareness of culture(s)Identify some barriers to communicationDiscuss ways to overcome these barriers

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

What is Communication?

a process by which two individuals try to exchange a set of ideas, feelings, symbolsmeanings.

Pierre Casse Teaching for the Cross-Cultural Mind

The Communication Model

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

What is Culture?

Values and perspectives shared by people who are "conditioned by similar education and life experience Regional

: country, area, community

Religious

: sects, variations, etc.. .

Corporate

: industry, company, department

Other groups

: schools, clubs, etc

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Characteristics of Culture

Culture is not inherent, but learned Cultures are rooted in deep seated beliefs Culture is the basis for self-identity and community Cultures are dynamic

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

The Iceberg Concept

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

3 Cultural Value Dimensions

Identity

Collectivism Individualism

Hierarchy

Large power distance Small power distance

Gender

Femininity Masculinity

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Low Context Culture

Tends to prefer direct verbal interaction Tends to understand meaning at one level only . Is generally less proficient in reading non verbal cues Values individualism Relies more on logic Communicates in highly structured message , provides details ,give authorities to written information

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

High Context Culture

Tends to prefer indirect verbal interactionTends to understand meanings embedded at many socio-cultural levels .Generally more proficient in reading non verbal cues.Values group membership.Communicates in simple ,ambiguous , non-contexted messages ; understands visual message readily.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Cultural Differences in Communication

Role of written communication Role of meetings Patterns of reasoning and argumentation Level of formality in inter-personal Communications Oral prsentation style Non-verbal communication behaviors

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Considerations in Cross-Cultural Communication

Frequency of eye Contact Assertiveness Use of Hands While Talking Physical Distance Between Communicators Speed of Speech Use of First Names vs. Titles Volume of Speech Use of Facial Expressions

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Strategies

LanguageAlways ask for clarificationNon-verbal communicationDont take it personallyAttitudes/Beliefs/ValuesEducate yourself

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Strategies

Stereotypes/misinterpretationsRecognize that you cannot change the culture or yourself overnightTry not to judge others by your own cultural valuesStressAccept some ambiguityBe patient and forgiving

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

10 Tips

Slow Down Separate Questions. Avoid Negative Questions. Take Turns. Write it Down. Be Supportive. Check Meanings. Avoid Slang. Watch the humor.

Maintain Etiquette.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

7 Pieces of Practical Advice

Dont assume sameness.Normal behavior is not universal.yes can mean many things.Dont assume you were understood.Dont assume that you understand.You dont have to like different behavior, but try to understand where it comes from.Most people do behave rationally; you just have to discover the rationale.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Sources

Communicating Across Cultural Barriers

Nancy G. Abney - MA-TESOL

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Graduate School Professional Development Program

(Presentation)

Cross-Cultural Communication

Harisudhen - SOM-DMS

Pondicherry University

(Presentation)

Cross-cultural Communication Skills for Life

Deborah Hefferon

TEA Orientation

(Presentation)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Q?

Question Time

*