2. This book is the backbone of the
discussion:
⢠Foreign to Familiar
by Sarah Lanier
3. Relationship vs Task Orientation
⢠Relationship Based ⢠Task Oriented
⢠Communication must ⢠Communication must
create a âfeel-goodâ
atmosphere provide accurate
⢠Society is feeling oriented information
⢠Efficiency and time do not ⢠Society is logic oriented
take priority over the ⢠Efficiency and time are
person
high priorities and taking
⢠âBusiness-talkâ is them seriously is a
inappropriate upon first
arriving even if it is a statement of respect for
business meeting or a the other person
business phone call
4. Countries considered hot/cold
⢠Canada ⢠Southern US States
⢠Northern US States ⢠Asia
⢠Northern Europe ⢠The Pacific Islands
(Switzerland and above) ⢠South America (except
⢠Israel urban Argentina)
⢠New Zealand (white ⢠Africa
population) ⢠The Mediterranean
⢠Australia countries
⢠Southern Brazil ⢠The Middle East(except
⢠South Africa (white Israelâs Jewish population)
population) ⢠Other parts of the world
⢠Argentina
5. Direct vs Indirect Communication
⢠Short, direct questions show ⢠Itâs all about being friendly
respect for the personâs ⢠Questions must be phrased in
time, as well as such a way as to not offend by its
professionalism directness
⢠A âyesâ is a âyesâ and a ânoâ is a ⢠Use a third party for accurate
âno.â There are no hidden information if you sense that a
meanings direct question will be too
harsh, or not get the results you
⢠An honest direct answer is are seeking.
information only. It does not ⢠A âyesâ may not be an answer to
reflect on how the person your question. It may be the first
feels about you. step in beginning a friendly
⢠You can say what you think interchange. Or verbal
(nicely) and it will usually not compliance may be required by
be taken personally the culture.
⢠Avoid embarassing people.
7. Individualism vs Group Identity
⢠I am self-standing ⢠I belong therefore I am
person, with my own ⢠My identity is tied to the group
(family, tribe, etc.)
identity. ⢠The group protects and provides
for me.
⢠Every individual should ⢠Taking initiative within a group
have an opinion and can can be greatly determined by my
speak for themselves role.
⢠My behavior reflects on the
⢠One must know how to whole group.
make oneâs own ⢠The Southern United States
would be a hot climate culture
decisions that does not necessarily fit the
group orientation.
⢠My behavior reflects on ⢠Team members expect direction
me, not on the group. from the leader.
8. A tip for individualists travelling to
places where food is highly valued
âEating food in some group-oriented cultures is
an acceptance of their hospitality and this has
a higher value than the taste of food.â
9.
10. Inclusion vs Privacy
⢠Group Oriented ⢠People enjoy having time and space
to themselves
⢠Individuals know they are ⢠People are expected to ask
automatically included in permission to borrow something or
conversation, meals, and the to interrupt a conversation
other activities of the group. ⢠Each person is considered to be the
⢠Possessions are to be used steward of his or her possessions
and has the responsibility to
freely by all: food, tools, etc. maintain and protect them
⢠It is not desirable to be left to ⢠In a community setting, it might be
oneself. common to label oneâs
food, tools, etc. to set them apart
⢠It is rude to hold a private from the groupâs common
conversation or make plans possesions
that exclude others present. ⢠It is acceptable to hold private
conversations or make exclusive
plans with a few people, not
including everyone.
11. Different Concepts of Hospitality
⢠Hospitality is ⢠Hospitality is taken very seriously and
spontaneous, often without an is planned for.
advance invitation ⢠It is usually not as spontaneous. The
⢠It is the context for host usually needs advance notice of
relationship (even a business a visit.
relationship)
⢠Travelers are expected to make their
⢠Hospitality usually takes place own arrangements other than what is
in the home.
specifically communicated to the host
⢠The host fully takes care of the ahead of time.
needs of the guest. The guest
pays for nothing. ⢠Guests need to expect to pay for their
transportation and restaurants if
⢠A gift is usually expected.
visiting in the US. If the host plans to
⢠Food and drink are involved. pay, he usually will say so.
⢠Travelers are taken in and ⢠Hospitality is a special
provided for.
occasion, taking the full attention of
the host.
12. Time and Planning
⢠Are not as oriented toward the ⢠Are time oriented.
clock as cold-climate cultures
⢠Are structured in their
⢠Are event oriented approach to life.
⢠Are spontaneous and flexible
in their approach to life ⢠Enjoy using time
⢠Respond to what life brings.
efficiently.
⢠Saving time is not as important ⢠Saving time is valuable.
as experiencing the moment ⢠Expect the event
⢠Recognize that structure is (dinner, arrival of a
required in some areas of life guest, meeting) to begin at
(the military for example) the time announced.
⢠Have informal visiting as part Visiting or informally
of the event chatting happens before or
after the event.
13.
14. Takeaway:
⢠We may not know all the
differences but knowing that
differences exist will be of help
to anyone when dealing with
people from other cultures.