How to Communicate: Adapting to Cultural Differences

HOW TO COMMUNICATE| Video Skills

ADAPTING TO CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

image One way to improve your communication competence is by adapting your messages to others’ behaviors. Learn how to navigate difficult conversations by completing the How to Communicate video activity below.

CONSIDER THIS:

You’re assigned to a group project with several classmates from collectivistic, low-emotion-display, and high-power-distance cultures. The group chooses one of them, Lily, as group leader. At your first meeting, Lily begins by suggesting a topic for the project. All the other group members immediately agree. This makes you angry because you had a different idea that you were excited about and wanted the group to pursue.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

The following advice illustrates how to communicate in a way that recognizes the cultural preferences of Lily and the other group members. This includes factors like power distance, collectivism, and emotion displays. As you watch the video, consider how the dialogue reflects each cultural factor. Then, test your knowledge of key skills, and create your own responses to the What if? video prompts.

image OPENLY SUPPORT LILY’S AUTHORITY as group leader, even though you may see her as an equal rather than someone who has power over you. (“I’m glad you were selected to be our group leader. I think you’ll do a great job overseeing everything.”)

Page 105

image AVOID AN OPEN DISPLAY OF ANGER; instead, keep your face neutral or smiling, and compliment Lily on the quality of her idea. (“I like your idea for the project—it’s really smart.”)

image SUPPORT THE GROUP SENTIMENT, even though it may mean sacrificing your own desires. (“As there is obviously a consensus, I’m happy to support what everyone else in the group wants to do.”)

QUESTION: Which cultural influence is Paul acknowledging when he says, “I’m happy to support what everyone else in the group wants to do”?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Chapter 4: QUESTION: Which cultural influence is Paul acknowledging when he says, “I’m happy to support what everyone else in the group wants to do”?