Cultural Contexts and Values in Communication

Imagine you have been assigned to complete a project with a classmate. Your cultural background has taught you to value collective behavior, while your partner has learned to value individual achievements. What difficulties may occur as you try to work together? What steps can you take to minimize the communication barriers in your relationship?

Answers will vary but should reflect an understanding of the differences between collective and individualist cultures.

Describe the differences between cultures that value certainty and cultures that value uncertainty.

Cultures that value certainty like communication to be direct and without ambiguity while cultures that value uncertainty do not like direct communication and can tolerate much more ambiguity.

What are the benefits of studying and understanding other cultures?

Studying other cultures will prepare you to interact in a global society, it can help you avoid culture shock and will make you a better communicator over-all.

What are the major differences between a culture that values masculinity and a culture that values femininity?

The major differences are: cultures that value masculinity tend to value "traditional" male traits (such as assertiveness, achievement, heroism)and tend to value traditional gender roles, while cultures that value 'femininity' tend to value traditional female traits (such as sensitivity and peaceful relationships) and tend to place less value on traditional gender roles.

What is the primary difference between a culture that values collectivism and a culture that values individualism?

The primary difference is that collective cultures value the achievements of groups, while cultures that emphasize individualism value the achievements of individuals.

How does a difference in cultural contexts affect communication?

Those from a low-context culture would have different communication expectations than those from a high-context culture (and vice versa). This can lead to misunderstanding or barriers to communication.

Which statement reflects a culture that values collectivism? a. "I am sure I can do a good job on this project." b. "We need to work together to ensure our projects success" c. "I am in charge; I'll assign each of you tasks so we can get this finished" d. All of the above reflect collectivism

b. "We need to work together to ensure our projects success"

Which of the following statements reflects certainty as a cultural value? a. "Your answer was too vague; I don't understand what you mean!" b. "I'd rather you were direct and upfront with me." c. "Just say what you mean! Don't beat around the bush." d. All of the above

d. All of the above

Which statement reflects a culture that would be categorized as "feminine"? a. "I think we can find a compromise that everyone can be happy with." b. "Men and women are equally capable of being successful in the workplace." c. "I understand you are worried about completing the project on time." d. All of the above

d. All of the above

"What a given group of people appreciates" are their ___________. a. cultural contexts b. culture shock c. cultural education d. cultural values

d. cultural values