4 – Culture & Communication

Level M

Prepared by: MOH Quality checked by: RHRCopyright 2010 APIIT/UCTI

Continuing Professional DevelopmentCPD-M

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M) Slide 2 Slide 2 of 11

At the end of this session, YOU should be able to :• Explain concepts of Culture• Discuss cultural differences• Identify Cultural Barriers to Communication• Demonstrate better Cross-Cultural Communication

Learning Outcomes

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Goals

• Raise our awareness of culture(s)

• Identify some barriers to communication

• Discuss 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, symbols…

meanings.”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 présentation 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

• Language– Always ask for clarification

• Non-verbal communication– Don’t take it personally

• Attitudes/Beliefs/Values– Educate yourself

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Strategies

• Stereotypes/misinterpretations• Recognize that you cannot change the culture or

yourself overnight• Try not to judge others by your own cultural values

• Stress– Accept some ambiguity– Be 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

1 Don’t assume sameness.

2 “Normal” behavior is not universal.

3 “yes” can mean many things.

4 Don’t assume you were understood.

5 Don’t assume that you understand.

6 You don’t have to like “different” behavior, but try to understand where it comes from.

7 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) Slide 18

Q?

Question Time