Ch. 4-6 International PR Flashcards
What is the difference between a high-context and low-context culture? Examples? (8)
High:
- Silence is seen as understanding, respect, deference.
- Covert and implicit
- Messages internalized
- Reactions reserved
- Distinct ingroups and outgroups
- Strong interpersonal bonds
- Commitment high
- Time open and flexible
Example- China
Students may not be given a syllabus with all this information directly. As a student, it is your job to find out what the rules and expectations are.
Low-
- Silence is seen as apathy, disagreement, ignorance.
- Overt and explicit
- Messages plainly coded
- Reactions on surface
- Flexible
- Fragile interpersonal bonds
- Commitment low
- Time highly organized
Example- United States
It is very common for college students to receive a course syllabus at the beginning of the semester. In it, students find detailed information such as the course description and learning objectives. This is because expectations are often communicated directly to the individual.
What is the difference between individualism and collectivism? Examples of how this affects countries’ communication process? (10)
Individualism-
- Focus on results
- Short-term gains
- Emphasis on content
- Linear reasoning
- Independent
- Competitive, decision-driven
- Direct, explicit comm.
- Personal accountability
- Private offices
- Linear time, impatient
Example- United States
The society is loosely-knit in which the expectation is that people look after themselves and their immediate families only and should not rely (too much) on authorities for support.
Collectivism-
- Focus on process
- Long-term grownth
- Emphasis on context
- Circular reasoning
- Interdependent
- Collaborative
- Indirect, circuitous
- Protection of “face”
- Open office plan
- Flexible time, patient
Example- China
In-group considerations affect hiring and promotions with closer in-groups (such as family) are getting preferential treatment.
What is power distance?
Means to what degree the culture believes power should be distributed among its members.
High power-distance cultures are more aware of inequalities. They maximize social and class inequalities. Low power-distance cultures minimize social and class inequalities.
What is uncertainty avoidance?
The ability of a culture to adapt to change and cope with uncertainty.
High UAI cultures prefer order with extensive rules and regulations; take few risks.
Low UAI cultures do not require extensive systems of rules governing behavior or processes.
