Attention- Interpretation- Action (AIA) Model

Question 1

Silence

Answer 1

Silence is a form of speech, so don’t interrupt it. ‘

• Richard Lewis

Question 2

Symbolism

Answer 2

Words And body language carry significant symbolism

Question 3

Cross-cultural communication skills are beneficial for improving interpersonal behaviour.

Answer 3

• Why is cross-cultural communication important?
• How do cultural screens influence interpersonal communication?
• How does culture shape information processing?
• How does culture, combined with communication practices, influence interpersonal behaviour?
• How can I provide colleagues and co-workers with culturally sensitive feedback?
• How can managers improve their cross-cultural communication skills?

Question 4

Why is communicating effectively across cultures essential for good management?

Answer 4

Because simple and often unintended words, behaviours, signs, and symbols can lead to misunderstandings, embarrassment, conflict, and even lost business opportunities.

Question 5

How important is it to communicate effectively across cultures?

Answer 5

Very important. Language, communication, and shared meaning are the essence of good management, and are crucial for organisational effectiveness.

Question 6

Strategy for effective communication 1: Mindful communication

Answer 6

Challenges:
- selective perception - we only hear what we want to hear.

Question 7

What is the purpose of communication?

Answer 7

• Communication is all about conveying MEANING to others.

Question 8

Challenge 1: Perceptual screens

Answer 8

• We interpret what we want to hear through our cultural lens.

Question 9

Definition of Mindful communication

Answer 9

• Mindful communication means developing one’s situational awareness and being present in the moment (show up!)

Question 10

Outline the communication process

Answer 10

Communication is an interactive processes between senders and receivers, who in turn, decode messages, interpret them, and respond appropriately.

Question 11

In the communication process, what are cultural differences and potential cross-cultural misunderstandings categorised as?

Answer 11

NOISE.

Question 12

What is a key criticism of classifying cultural misunderstandings & cross-cultural communication as noise?

Answer 12

• Neglects two major impediments TO effective communication:
  > attention
  > interpretation

Question 13

What should you keep in mind about the communication process?

Answer 13

Messages are effective only to the extent that recipients are both paying attention to them (attention) and capable of processing the information in ways that facilitate common meaning (interpretation)

Question 14

Key factors of cross-cultural communication

Answer 14

• effective message construction
• effective message transmission
• Understanding in cross-cultural communication
• Response in cross-cultural communication

Question 15

Case study: Wall of silence in Ecuador

Answer 15

Key points:
- What is the relationship-building process like in the country and organisation?
- Ecuadorians were more vocal and forthcoming in one-on-one conversations (personal exchanges).
- This is a normal part of the ritual of relationship-building in some cultures, and an important precursor to effective communication (that will eventually happen).

Question 16

What are the lessons for global managers travelling to a new location?

Answer 16

• Spend more time being observant - try to learn how the people communicate and integrate with one another in the organisational setting.
• Don’t be too overzealous in trying to fit in, sometimes people will eventually come up to you to help you fit into the culture.
• Learn the culture! Seek advice from someone who has worked in the country beforehand.
• Being wary is a sign that people are concerned that identifying problems could be taken as public criticism of someone else in the room (it’s important to understand this!).