Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix Research Paper

Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix - Research Paper Example ess treats people in another country and from a different culture, in the same way as he does people in his own country and from his own culture, he may not be as effective as he would like to be. In order to become cross-culturally competent one needs to be aware of the different layers of culture, both visible and intrinsic, of the country they are visiting and have the skills to adapt their own behavior to be a better communicator and a culturally sensitive and competent person. Direct: Americans prefer a direct, open, unambiguous approach to communication. Circuitous or elaborate language is usually seen as a waste of time or as suspicious behavior. An impasse is usually confronted directly and the consequent debate is â€Å"seen positively and as a sign of definite progress.† (â€Å"American Communication Styles†, n.d.). Low-Context Culture: According to Edward Hall’s definition a Low-Context (LC) culture is one where â€Å"the mass of information is vested in the implicit code.† (Hofstede, 2001, p.30). This essentially means that instructions, directions and other such information are likely to available in direct written or oral forms (like bulletins, billboards) without dependence on non-verbal indicators. Short-Term: Goal orientation is usually short-term. Task-oriented planning. Deadlines are important. Automated situations are not threatening. Most Americans are more comfortable with written instructions. Time: It is important to remember that the adage â€Å"Time is Money† is believed quite literally in the USA. Relationship building is done through basic, perfunctory gestures and does not need elaborate or long-term rituals. Rhetorical: The truth of the statements is often a little obscured by the use of rhetoric. Also the number of people who speak fluent English and Japanese are very few. It’s usually one language or the other that they can speak. Collectivist: Decision making is a group activity. Interdependence is high. Being frank and