High Context Behaviours
High Context Behaviours
High context behaviours are communication behaviours in which the majority of information is carried by the context of the communication, rather than by the explicit words used. This means that the meaning of a message is heavily dependent on the shared cultural and social context between the sender and receiver.
Characteristics of High Context Behaviours:
- Indirect Communication: High context cultures tend to favour indirect communication, where the speaker implies or suggests meaning rather than stating it explicitly.
- Non-Verbal Cues: Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, play a significant role in conveying meaning.
- Context-Dependent Meaning: The meaning of a message is heavily influenced by the context in which it is communicated, including the relationship between the speaker and receiver, the setting, and the cultural norms.
- Emphasis on Relationships: High context cultures place a strong emphasis on building and maintaining relationships, and communication is often used to strengthen these relationships.
Examples of High Context Behaviours:
- In Japan, it is considered impolite to say “no” directly. Instead, people may use indirect phrases such as “it might be difficult” or “I’ll have to check” to convey a negative response.
- In many Arab cultures, it is customary to greet someone with a kiss on both cheeks, regardless of their gender or relationship to the greeter. This gesture conveys warmth and respect.
- In India, the head wobble is a common non-verbal cue that can have a variety of meanings, depending on the context. It can be used to express agreement, understanding, or uncertainty.
High context behaviours can be beneficial in situations where there is a strong shared understanding between the sender and receiver. However, they can also be challenging for people from different cultural backgrounds, who may not be familiar with the unspoken rules and norms of communication.
References:
- Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond culture. Garden City, NY: Anchor Press.
- Gudykunst, W. B., & Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). Culture and interpersonal communication. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
- Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., & McDaniel, E. R. (2017). Communication between cultures (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Tools and Products for High Context Behaviours:
1. Cultural Intelligence Training:
- Tool: Global Leadership and Cultural Intelligence (GLCI) Training: https://www.glci-training.com/
- Description: GLCI training helps individuals develop their cultural intelligence, which is the ability to understand and adapt to different cultural contexts. This training can be particularly beneficial for people who work in international or multicultural teams or who interact with people from different cultures on a regular basis.
2. Cross-Cultural Communication Training:
- Tool: Cross-Cultural Communication Training by Berlitz: https://www.berlitz.com/individuals/cross-cultural-training.php
- Description: Cross-cultural communication training helps individuals learn about the cultural norms, values, and communication styles of different cultures. This training can help people to avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
3. Language Learning Tools:
- Tool: Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com/
- Description: Duolingo is a popular language learning app that offers courses in over 30 languages. Learning a new language can help people to better understand the culture and context of that language.
4. Cultural Etiquette Guides:
- Tool: CultureShock! Guides: https://www.cultureshock.com/
- Description: CultureShock! Guides provide information on the cultural norms, customs, and etiquette of different countries. These guides can be helpful for people who are traveling or working in a new country.
5. Intercultural Communication Platforms:
- Tool: Kwintessential: https://www.kwintessential.co.uk/
- Description: Kwintessential is an online platform that provides information on intercultural communication, including tips for communicating effectively with people from different cultures.
6. Translation and Interpretation Services:
- Tool: Translated: https://translated.com/
- Description: Translated is a translation and interpretation service that can help people to communicate with people who speak different languages.
7. Cultural AI Tools:
- Tool: Cultural AI by Humanyze: https://www.humanyze.com/cultural-ai/
- Description: Cultural AI tools use artificial intelligence to analyze cultural data and provide insights into cultural differences. These tools can be used to help people understand and adapt to different cultural contexts.
8. Online Cultural Resources:
- Tool: Hofstede Insights: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/
- Description: Hofstede Insights provides information on the cultural dimensions of different countries, based on the research of Geert Hofstede. This information can be helpful for people who want to learn more about the cultural differences between countries.
Related Terms to High Context Behaviours:
- Low Context Behaviours: This is the opposite of high context behaviours, where the majority of information is conveyed explicitly through words, with less reliance on the context.
- Cultural Intelligence (CQ): This is the ability to understand and adapt to different cultural contexts. Individuals with high CQ are able to communicate and interact effectively with people from different cultures.
- Intercultural Communication: This is the study of communication between people from different cultures. It examines how cultural differences can affect communication and how to communicate effectively across cultures.
- Cross-Cultural Communication: This is the practical application of intercultural communication principles. It involves communicating with people from different cultures in a way that is respectful and effective.
- Cultural Sensitivity: This is the ability to understand and appreciate the cultural differences of others. Culturally sensitive individuals are able to interact with people from different cultures without causing offense or misunderstanding.
- Cultural Competence: This is the ability to effectively communicate and interact with people from different cultures. Culturally competent individuals have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work successfully in multicultural environments.
- Ethnocentrism: This is the belief that one’s own culture is superior to all others. Ethnocentric individuals may have difficulty understanding and accepting cultural differences.
- Xenocentrism: This is the opposite of ethnocentrism, where individuals believe that other cultures are superior to their own. Xenocentric individuals may reject their own culture in favor of another culture.
These related terms are all connected to the concept of high context behaviours and are important for understanding and communicating effectively in multicultural environments.
Prerequisites
Before you can effectively engage in high context behaviours, the following needs to be in place:
- Cultural Awareness: You need to have a basic understanding of the cultural norms, values, and communication styles of the culture you are interacting with. This includes understanding the role of context, non-verbal cues, and indirect communication.
- Cultural Sensitivity: You need to be sensitive to the cultural differences of others and avoid making judgments or assumptions based on your own cultural background. This means being open-minded and respectful of different ways of thinking and behaving.
- Empathy: You need to be able to put yourself in the shoes of others and see things from their perspective. This will help you to understand their cultural context and communicate with them in a meaningful way.
- Communication Skills: You need to have strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. This includes being able to express yourself clearly and concisely, and to read and interpret non-verbal cues accurately.
- Patience: Building relationships and understanding cultural contexts takes time and patience. You need to be patient and willing to invest the time necessary to develop meaningful connections with people from different cultures.
In addition to these individual qualities, there are also some organizational factors that can support high context behaviours:
- Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: A diverse and inclusive workplace where people from different cultural backgrounds feel valued and respected is essential for fostering high context behaviours.
- Cross-Cultural Training: Providing cross-cultural training and development opportunities for employees can help them to learn about different cultures and develop the skills necessary to communicate and interact effectively with people from different backgrounds.
- Encouraging Open Communication: Encouraging open communication and dialogue between employees from different cultures can help to build understanding and break down cultural barriers.
- Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Celebrating cultural diversity and recognizing the contributions of people from different cultures can help to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.
When these factors are in place, individuals and organizations can more effectively engage in high context behaviours and build meaningful relationships across cultures.
What’s next?
After you have developed high context behaviours, the next steps are to:
- Build Relationships: Focus on building relationships with people from different cultures. This can be done through personal interactions, professional networking, or participation in cultural events and activities.
- Seek Opportunities for Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Look for opportunities to work on projects or initiatives with people from different cultural backgrounds. This can help you to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives, and to develop your cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.
- Become an Advocate for Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: Use your knowledge and experience to advocate for cultural diversity and inclusion in your workplace and community. This can involve speaking out against discrimination and bias, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and supporting initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity.
- Continue Learning and Growing: Continue to learn about different cultures and perspectives. This can be done through reading books, articles, and blogs; watching documentaries and films; and traveling to new places.
By taking these steps, you can use your high context behaviours to make a positive impact on the world. You can help to build bridges between cultures, promote understanding and cooperation, and create a more inclusive and just society.
Here are some specific examples of what you can do next:
- Become a mentor or coach to someone from a different cultural background. This can help them to learn about your culture and to develop their cross-cultural communication skills.
- Volunteer for an organization that promotes cultural diversity and inclusion. This can involve working with refugees and immigrants, teaching English as a second language, or organizing cultural events.
- Start a blog or podcast about cross-cultural communication and understanding. Share your experiences and insights with others, and help to raise awareness about the importance of cultural diversity.
- Write a book or article about your experiences with high context behaviours. This can help to educate others about the importance of cultural context and cross-cultural communication.
By taking these steps, you can use your high context behaviours to make a real difference in the world.