You Will Be Asked To Watch Factually Based Short Videos Abou

You Will Be Asked To Watch Factually Based Short Videos About A Spec

You will be asked to watch factually based short videos about a specific company or an issue that is a concern to many companies today. For these videos, you are required to submit a 250 word detailed answer to the question presented in this activity. The assignment is graded using a 50 point scale (50 (A), 25 (C), or 0 (F)). This assignment is to be submitted through Canvas. This week's topic will be Low Context vs High Context. Please view the two videos below:

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of low context versus high context communication is fundamental in understanding intercultural interactions within business environments. These terms describe how individuals within different cultures share information and interpret messages. Low context cultures rely heavily on explicit verbal communication, where messages are conveyed directly through words, detailed explanations, and clear instructions. Western societies such as the United States and Germany exemplify low context cultures, emphasizing clarity, individualism, and directness. Conversely, high context cultures depend heavily on implicit communication, non-verbal cues, shared experiences, and the surrounding environment to convey meaning. Countries like Japan, China, and many Middle Eastern nations often exemplify high context cultures, where understanding is rooted in relationships, social hierarchy, and unspoken norms.

Understanding these cultural differences is crucial for international business operations. For instance, a Western manager may interpret a Japanese colleague’s indirect refusal as agreement, due to the high context nature of their culture. Misunderstandings may occur if cultural communication styles are not recognized or respected. Therefore, effective cross-cultural communication requires awareness and adaptation to these differing norms. It entails developing intercultural competence to bridge potential gaps, foster mutual understanding, and promote successful international collaborations.

Research indicates that cultural competence enhances negotiation processes and business relationships across borders (Hofstede, 2001; Hall, 1976). Cultivating sensitivity to low and high context communication styles can significantly impact a company's global success. As businesses expand globally, understanding and applying these concepts become vital tools for effective intercultural engagement, conflict avoidance, and relationship building.

References

- Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.

- Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.

- Ting-Toomey, S., & Kurogi, A. (1998). facework competence in intercultural conflict: An apporach to developing intercultural communication competence. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 22(2), 187-225.

- Chen, G.-M., & Starosta, W. J. (2000). Communication Competence and Cross-Cultural Adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 24(2), 125-135.

- Matsumoto, D. (2006). Culture and Psychology. Wadsworth.

- Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., & McDaniel, E. R. (2012). Communication Between Cultures. Wadsworth Publishing.

- Hall, E. T. (1990). The Silent Language. Anchor Books.

- Spencer-Oatey, H. (2008). Culturally Speaking: Managing Rapport Through Talk Across Cultures. Cambridge University Press.

- Trompenaars, F., & Hampden-Turner, C. (2012). Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.

- Ting-Toomey, S. (1999). Communicative Conceptions of Face and Cultural Variations in Conflict Facework. In R. E. DiMatteo & L. A. Martin (Eds.), Interpersonal Communication (pp. 137-156). Routledge.