Intercultural Communications

Instructions

1. You must learn all the categories for assessing cultures on the first two pages. These categories are according to Gert Hofstede and Richard Lewis (you will notice that they appear as Roman numerals I-IV by Hofstede and I-IV by Lewis). Please learn all of them.

2. Beginning with page three and Roman numeral V are a list of the negotiating styles of different cultures (based on the scholarship of Richard Lewis). Be sure to know the negotiating styles for The USA, China, Japan, Germany and France. In addition to the top five economies add one more of your choice and be familiar with its negotiating style as well. In other words you must learn the negotiating styles for the top five economies and one of the others on the list of your own choice.

3. Notice that there are several more pages to the document (touch, human and some conclusions I draw from my earliest experiences in intercultural interactions). Keep them as part of your notes because the information is relevant.

Gerard Hendrik Hofstede assessment of cultural difference

I Power distance

1. High Power Distance-In cultures with high power distance (e.g. Malaysia), the less powerful

accept power relations that are autocratic or paternalistic. Subordinates acknowledge the power of others based on their formal, hierarchical positions.

2. Low Power Distance-In cultures with low power distance (e.g. Austria, Australia, Denmark, New

Zealand), people expect and accept power relations that are more consultative or democratic. People relate to one another more as equals regardless of formal positions. Subordinates are more accustomed with exercising the right to contribute to and critique the decisions of those in power.

II Individualist and Communal Cultures

1. Individualist-Individualist cultures, such as those of the United States and Western Europe, emphasize personal achievement at the expense of group goals, resulting in a strong sense of competition.

1. Characteristics of Individualist Cultures

1. Status Differences are Minimized

2. Equal Respect is preferred

3. The individual is paramount

4. Personal achievements and performance are prioritized

5. Assertiveness is important for individual success

6. Material success is the means of independence

7. Requires more personal space (larger personal spaces)

8. Challenge and competition are advantageous

2. Collectivist cultures, such as those of China, Korea, and Japan, emphasize family and work group goals.

Characteristics of Communal Cultures

1. Self-denial

2. Avoid confrontation

3. Relationships are deeper and longer lasting

4. Loyalty

5. High Context

III Masculine and Feminine Cultures

1. In so-called 'masculine' cultures, people value competitiveness, assertiveness, ambition, the accumulation of wealth and material possessions.

2. Sweden is the most feminine society, with a rating of 5 (100 is the score of the most masculine). Other "Feminine" cultures are the Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Korea, Portugal, the Middle East, and West Africa. Feminine cultures value care for others as equally important to one’s own concerns, reduction of assertiveness, social welfare and group consensus.

IV Low vs. high uncertainty avoidance

1. High Uncertainty Avoidance-people prefer explicit rules (e.g. about religion and food) and formally structured activities, and employees tend to remain longer with their present employer.

2. Low Uncertain Avoidance- In cultures with low uncertainty avoidance, people prefer implicit or flexible rules or guidelines and informal activities. Employees tend to change employers more frequently.

Richard Lewis’ model of differences in cultural Communication patterns (recorded in his book, When Cultures Collide)