Inclusive Communication for all

High context cultures

Communication is strongly implicit, forms of non-verbal communication play an important role. Contexts are assumed to be known and therefore not explicitly addressed. In business matters, a business deal usually builds on existing (personal) relationships.

Here are some characteristics of high context communication style:

• Implicit messages: Meaning is often implied rather than stated outright
• Nonverbal cues: Tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and silence carry significant meaning
• Shared cultural knowledge: Speakers assume a common understanding of norms, values and history
• Indirectness: Avoiding blunt statements to maintain harmony and politeness
• Relationship-oriented: Trust and personal connections influence communication

Low context cultures

Communication is much more explicit, clear, linear, and content-oriented, the non-verbal level plays a lesser role. Less emphasis is placed on "small talk," but on facts and content. Personal relationships take a back seat, regarding business relationships, they would probably only be allowed after a successful business deal.

Here are some characteristics of low context communication:

• Direct Messages: Meaning is often directly communicated
• Nonverbal Cues: Tone of voice or facial expressions do not necessarily carry a significant meaning, the verbal communication has more significance. 
• Shared Cultural Knowledge: Speakers assume a common understanding of norms, values, and history, but 
• Directness: Direct statements, because honesty is a value, disagreement can be directly communicated, e.g. “I disagree with your proposal due to…”

🤔 Consider the communication styles you are used to. Would you say they are more high-context or low-context? Why?

🗺️Research countries you have visited or want to travel to and determine which cultural dimensions they may belong to. 

🙂Train yourself a little via an example dialogue together with another student in a team. 

🗓️Upload your results to the e-learning platform.