Adjusting to American Communication

Types of Communication Differences in the Workplace

Different Communication TypesIntrapersonalInterpersonalPublicMassSmall GroupNon-verbal

Source: www.ehow.com

Each type of communication occurs in several different contexts- for example:Starting &

maintaining relationships

Accomplishing specific task

Disseminating information

Communication DescriptionsIntrapersonal-

communication with yourself

Interpersonal- communication with others

Public- speaking to an audience to inform or persuade

Source: www.ehow.com

Mass- sending a message to many receivers at once.

Small Group- 5-10 people communicate to accomplish a task or fulfill need for companionship or support

Non-verbal- communication does not include words- people use their bodies & eye contact

Different Communication Types- No Problem!

Differences present challenges in workplace

Communication styles and ways of relating to others – influenced by many factors-

High- Context vs Low-Context – one major factor

Source: http://smallbusiness.chron.com

High-Context Communication- Eastern-based & some European culturesRelies on relationships- Use sublet & implicit

messaging

Low-Context Communication- Western-European based cultures

Relies explicitly on spelling out instructions, rules, directions and expectations.

Important to follow instructions as given.

High Context vs Low ContextWhat’s the difference &

how do I know it when I see it???

Ask yourself (Intrapersonal)

Do I recognize implied messages from others, am I aware of verbal and non-verbal cues to understand the speaker’s message? (high-context)

Source: http://mqjeffery.hubpages.com

Do I “let my words speak for themselves” Do I prefer to be more direct, relying on what is explicitly stated in my speech? (low-context)

Problems that can occur in both context:Differences in

direction, quantity & quality.

Types of Communication ProblemsCommunication is

key, but problems are a fact of life.

Bad communication can lead to further problems and poor outcomes.

For example:Lack of personal

contact Can lead to misinterpreting the tone

of an email or phone message.Lack of clarity-

Different employees interpret information in different ways.

Lack of feedback- Getting and giving feedback on a

regular basis is important – can provide opportunity to improve

Lack of Honesty- Honesty is always important – lay out the

facts and provide as much information as possible.

Communication Tools for Understanding Cultural DifferencesLow-Context communicators

with High-Context listeners be aware of:Nonverbal messages &

gestures important as what’s said

Face-saving ad tact are important- need to be balanced

Building good relationship, indirect routes & creative thinking important alternatives to problem-solving

Source: www.beyondintractability.org

High-Context communicators with Low-Context listeners be aware of:Things taken at face value

rather than layers of meaning

Roles & functions not same as status & identity

Efficiency & effectiveness important to stay on task

Direct questions & observations not meant to offend, but rather to clarify

Indirect cues not enough to get other’s attention