Cultural Diversity

Let’s face it, we live in a global village. Communications can be tricky and often our messages can be misconstrued. This can be even more difficult when there is a language barrier or countries separating you and your target audience. “The chances for contacts with people from other cultures have increased dramatically with changes in the workplace” (Hybels & Weaver, 2007). Hahn (2005) suggests that a person can successfully communicate across barriers as longs as they follow a few simple guidelines (Para. 8). He refers to them as the ten commandments of intercultural communication. One of Hahn’s suggestions is to “be aware of cultural context: people from certain cultures (called high-context cultures) rely less on verbal communication and more on the context of nonverbal actions and environmental settings to convey meaning” (Hann, 2005, Para. 14). The United States prefers to concentrate on data and facts and their verbal and nonverbal language tends to be quick and succinct. Typically, this is referred to as low-context. “Great emphasis is placed on exact words, and receivers are expected to derive meaning primarily from the written or verbal statements, not from nonverbal behavior cues” (Cameron, Wilcox, Reber, & Shin, 2008, p.344). Body language is also very important. Nonverbal language is very important because it conveys how a person is feeling. “It can complement, regulate, substitute for, or accent a verbal message” (Hybels & Weaver, 2007). For example, it is not uncommon for people in Latin America to greet each other with a hug, in Argentina and Chile men and women will say hi with a kiss on the cheek (Cameron, Wilcox, Reber, & Shin, 2008, p.345).Whereas in the United States, nonverbal communication consists of solid handshakes, firm eye contact, and smiling. Another suggestion is to “be aware of decision making customs: not all people like to make decisions quickly and efficiently” (Hahn, 2005, Para. 12). The U.S. is definitely a task-orientated country and the importance of obtaining a concrete result is often stressed.

By studying other cultures, building relationships with them, and learning how to communicate effectively; we will “resolve misunderstandings, miscommunications, and mistrust” (Hybels & Weaver, 2007).

References:

Cameron, G. T., Wilcox, D. L., Reber, B. H., & Shin, J. (2008). Public relations today: Managing competition and conflict. Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

Hahn. Martin. (2005, December 30). Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communication. Ezine @rticles. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten- Commandments-of-Intercultural-Communication&id=120247

Hybels, S., & Weaver, R. (2007). Communicating effectively. New York: Mc-Graw-Hill.