Culture and Communication Styles:
American and Host Country Views Compared

This exercise asks you to examine American, host country, and your own communication style in the context of direct vs. indirect styles. The mechanism used here is a continuum: a line with opposite views or positions presented at each end.

Four communication topics are listed, with a continuum for each. Put the letters "U.S." on that point on the line that you think best represents the "typical American" view of that topic; then, after consulting with a host country informant or a knowledgeable PCV, mark each continuum with the letters "H.C." to indicate the typical host country position.

Styles of Communication: Continuum

Degree of Directness

People say what they mean and mean what they say; you don't need to read between the lines; it's important to tell it like it is; honesty is the best policy; the truth is more important than sparing someone's feelings.

People are indirect; they imply/suggest what they mean; understatement is valued; you need to read between the lines; the truth, if it hurts, should be tempered.

The Role of Context

Low context, heterogeneous and individualist cultures: little is already known; the message must be explicit and spelled out; words are the primary means of communication; nonverbal cues are not the key to understanding.

High context, homogeneous and collectivist cultures: much is already known; the spoken word is not the primary means of communicating; much is implied but little needs to be said; nonverbal cues and the context are the key what is not said may be the message

The Importance of Face

Face has moderate importance; the facts and expediency are more important than being careful about what you say; getting/giving information is the overriding goal of the communication exchange; criticism is straightforward; it's okay to say no, to confront people.

Face is paramount; saving face/not losing face takes precedence over the "truth"; maintaining harmony is the overriding goal of the communication exchange; confrontation is avoided; saying no is difficult; criticism is handled very delicately; what one says and what one feels often are not the same.

The Task of the Person

The task is separated from the person; do business first and then have small talk; establishing rapport/good personal relationship is not essential to getting the job done. The goal is accomplishing the task

The task and the person can't be separated; begin with small talk and then move to business; personal relationship is a prerequisite to getting the job done. The goal is building the relationship.

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