Consider this example:
Cindy grew up in San Francisco. She prides herself on how quickly she got a management position after graduating college and attributes it to her hard work and “go-get-’em” attitude.
Runa grew up in Tokyo. She has earned several promotions since her university internship based on hard work and following company protocols. She has also greatly increased the efficiency in her department.
Cindy and Runa have had several productive phone calls before the conference, and they are happy to meet each other. They are now setting up the room the day before the meeting.
Understanding the nature of context and learning how to communicate in both low- and high-context styles can help you navigate many difficult questions more effectively.
Let’s take a closer look…
You can manage some potentially difficult situations by being aware of your own communication preferences and understanding when and how to adjust if necessary.
Here are some scenarios where you’ll have to think about how you would respond. Keep in mind there are no right answers, but some responses might go better than others.
In some cultures, even strangers will stand close to one another and touch in a non-threatening, non-sexual way while engaging in casual conversation. This option is viable if you personally feel comfortable maintaining this close proximity.
Review each other option to see the pros and cons to making that decision.
In most cultures, you have the right to sit wherever you like, and you are little concerned with offending a stranger. However, it would be more polite to excuse yourself.
Review each other option to see the pros and cons to making that decision.
This is a possibility if you feel threatened even if it inconveniences you on your journey.
Review each other option to see the pros and cons to making that decision.
This is a reasonable response. You politely address the man but clearly state that you are unwilling to continue the conversation.
Review each other option to see the pros and cons to making that decision.
Your spouse’s organization is hosting a gathering for the families, and you watch how people interact. Some only nod their heads in the direction of the other person and some shake right hands. Some shake right hands but then draw close for a hug as well. Some will kiss each other, just touching cheeks and not kissing on the lips, but some touch right cheeks and some touch left cheeks. This is all so confusing! You want to be friendly and appropriate, but you also don’t want to offend anyone.
This will likely work in many cultures for greetings between two people of the same gender, but perhaps not when men and women greet each other. If you see men and women shaking hands, then you can also do this if it is comfortable for you.
Review each other option to see the pros and cons to making that decision.
When being informed by someone who knows the culture, you acquire a general list of rules. Some cultures are exact about habits (“everyone gives two kisses, right cheek then left cheek”). Other cultures might say, “It depends on the relationship. I shake hands with acquaintances and superiors but I always hug my friends.”
Review each other option to see the pros and cons to making that decision.
It is a viable option for a newcomer, although if you extend your hand but the other person draws close for a hug, you can have an awkward encounter.
Review each other option to see the pros and cons to making that decision.
It is a wonderful way to start a conversation with someone you don’t know at a party, and learn something about the local culture in the process.
Review each other option to see the pros and cons to making that decision.