This document compares and contrasts individualist/collectivist and high-/low-context cultures across 14 sections. It discusses that culture is a shared system of meanings and interpretations that influence group behavior. It then contrasts individualistic cultures, which value independence and goals, with collectivist cultures, which value relationships and group duties. Individualistic cultures use direct, precise communication while collectivist cultures use more contextual communication to build relationships. It provides advice for navigating these cultural differences in communication styles and interpretations.

1. Individualist/CollectivistHigh- and Low-ContextCultural Comparisons 1

3. A learned set of shared interpretations about beliefs, values, and norms, which affect the behaviors of a relatively large group of people.2 What is Culture?From DonalCarbaugh

4. The framework, background, and surrounding circumstances in which communication or an event takes place. The background, the “field” of belief systems, world view, and perspectives people have been raised in. A set of “cultural lenses” though which one views the world and interprets communication—we can never “lose” completely the lenses we were raised with. 3 What is Cultural Context?From Edward T. Hall

5. Contrasting Values: Individualist and Collective CulturesOsterman, Coon & Kemmelmeier Individualism Independent Control Goals for oneself Competition w/others Uniqueness is valued Private self-knowledge Direct communication Consistent self in all situations Prefers to work alone Collectivism Relational w/group Sense of belonging Duty to group Harmony w/others Advice sought from others Self alters according to context Hierarchy important Prefers working in groups 4

6. Children rewarded for: Initiative Personal achievement Individual leadership Exercising choice or preference 5 Individualistic Patterns

7. Logical Linear Action-oriented Practical rather than theoretical Lives are compartmentalized Language expected to be precise and “just enough to get the message across”— Language is functional and necessary because surrounding context does not convey much information 6 Low Context Cultural Traitsoften found in Individualistic Cultures

8. Children are taught that they are a part of a circle relations. Identity as a member of a group comes first, summed up in the South African ideal of ubuntu “I am because we are.” An example: American Indians have the highest number of military veterans and continue to have the highest number per capita of any other ethnic group in the U.S. 7 Collectivist Patterns

9. Relations among people more important than “the business at hand.” Intuitive—collect clues to situation from the environment and what’s unspoken Contemplative Language valued less to convey meaning and more to assist in relationship-building and creating an atmosphere (thus, more elaborate greetings, hierarchical forms of address, and “social lubrication” story-telling). 8 High Context Cultural Traitsoften found in Collectivist Cultures

10. Monochronic time: One-track linear, doing things sequentially; time is compartmentalized. “Clock time,” with set beginning and ending times. Conversations like tennis match. Polychronic time: Multi-track circular, allows many things to happen simultaneously. Open-ended, completing the task or communication is more important than adhering to a schedule. Conversations like popcorn popping. 9 Time is Part of Cultural Context

11. Low-context: no meaning is ascribed to the surrounding environment: words mean what they mean on the surface. Intent is to directly convey a message⇒ “Shut the door.” High-context: the surrounding environment created among the group conveys much meaning: people’s silence, body language, looks exchanged, the formality or informality of the setting, the people who are involved (are they equals or members of a hierarchy). Words’ meaning may be greatly influenced by the environment. 10 Context and Communication

12. Pay attention to non-verbal: eye contact, physical distance, facial expressions, “the vibe” Pay attention to status: are you equals? Face-saving: important not to embarrass them—make sure they understanding teasing. Their conversation may at times be more for the purpose of relationship-building than for just exchanging information. 11 Advice to Low Context People who are Communicating with High Context People

13. They take your words at face value. They may not pick up on your nonverbal clues or indirect (subtle) hints or cues. Their notion of roles are separate from status and personal identity (they compartmentalize more than you do). Their communication is direct and may seem too blunt but they don’t mean to be rude. Question: which gender do you think is high-context and which is low-context? 12 Advice to High Context People who are Communicating with Low Context People

14. Autonomy is closely related to individualism; independence highly valued. “Everyone is equal and we treat everyone with friendliness to demonstrate this value,” in individualistic cultures. Embeddedness is related to collectivism—the inside group matters more than outsiders. Friendliness extended to group members. Let me draw some “cultural hearts” on the board for you. 13 Boundaries and Friendshipin Different Contexts

15. Cultures are in general individualistic/low context or collective/high context. Individuals will exhibit traits of both kinds of culture depending on the situation they find themselves in. Cultural frameworks such as I/L-C and C/H-C are meant as broad definitions for understanding: they are not stereotypes! If you feel a little “oddness” between yourself and a classmate: it’s probably not “personal,” it’s cultural difference. Relax and learn! 14 In Closing, Let’s Remember