CH3: Intercultural communication Flashcards
Which important trends fuel globalization?
Shrinking domestic markets
Favourable trade agreements
Robust middle classes in emerging economies
Advancements in transportation and logistics
Growing reach of information and communication technologies
Which significant changes in the workforce can we expect over the next 40 years?
Foreign-born persons and their offspring will comprise an ever-growing portion of the total North American population. The domestic workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, and cultural diversity is becoming the norm.
List the five main characteristics of culture.
Culture is learned.
Cultures are inherently logical.
Culture is the basis of self-identity and community.
Culture combines the visible and invisible.
Culture is dynamic.
Describe five major dimensions of culture.
Context describes the stimuli, environment, and ambience surrounding an event.
Individualism refers to the degree to which independence and freedom from control are valued.
Time orientation describes the emphasis placed on time. Is it precious and not to be wasted, or is it an unlimited and never-ending resource?
Power distance describes the degree to which the less powerful members of society accept an unequal distribution of power. In a lower power distance country, subordinates consider themselves as equals of their managers.
Communication style refers to the manner in which people communicate. High-context cultures rely less on words and more on context than do low-context cultures.
Name four or more strategies for bridging the gap between cultures and achieving intercultural proficiency.
Build cultural self-awareness. Begin to think of yourself as a product of your culture, and understand that your culture is just one among many.
Curb ethnocentrism. Resist judging others solely by your own values. Misunderstandings occur when we expect others to react as we would and they expect us to behave as they would.
Overcome rigid attitudes such as stereotypes and prejudice by approaching each person as a prototype, a unique individual, not just as a member of a group. Be open to new definitions.
Be open-minded. Practise tolerance by showing empathy, which means to see the world through another’s eyes.
Help others save face, especially in high-context cultures in which social harmony and saving face are prized.
Explain the difference between a stereotype and a prototype.
A stereotype is an oversimplified behavioural pattern applied uncritically to groups. A prototype describes mental representations based on general characteristics that are not fixed and rigid but are open to new definitions. Stereotypes are fixed and rigid; prototypes can be changed as a result of observation and experience.
Describe five specific ways you can improve oral communication with someone who speaks another language.
Learn some phrases in the other person’s language.
Use simple English, including short words and sentences.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Observe eye messages so that you are more likely to know when the other person is lost.
Encourage accurate feedback. Check frequently for comprehension.
Accept blame if a misunderstanding occurs.
Listen without interrupting.
Smile when appropriate.
Follow up conversations in writing.
Describe at least five ways you can improve written communication with someone who speaks another language.
Accommodate the reader in organization, tone, and style.
Use short sentences and short paragraphs.
Adopt local formats and observe titles and rank.
Avoid ambiguous expressions.
Strive for clarity. Avoid words with many meanings. Clarify meanings.
Use correct grammar.
Cite numbers carefully.
Name three examples of inequalities that may exist in some diverse workplaces.
Many women experience the glass ceiling, that invisible barrier of attitudes, prejudices, and “old boy networks” blocking them from reaching important corporate positions.
Issues of sexual harassment, unequal wages, and sexism still exist in some Canadian workplaces.
Older employees feel that the deck is stacked in favour of younger employees.
Members of minority groups feel discriminated against in hiring, retention, wages, and promotions.
Individuals with disabilities feel that their limitations should not hold them back, and they fear that their potential is often prejudged.
People of different religions feel their beliefs are not respected.
Describe five guidelines for improving communication among diverse workplace audiences.
Seek training. Look upon diversity as an opportunity, not a threat.
Understand the value of differences. Diversity in problem-solving groups encourages independent and creative thinking.
Don’t expect conformity. Differences can enrich and expand creative opportunities.
Make fewer assumptions. Don’t assume that everyone is like you.
Build on similarities. Look for areas in which you and others agree. Look for common ground.
