This document discusses how culture impacts communication styles, specifically looking at the dimension of collectivism vs individualism. It explains that more collectivist societies tend to use more indirect communication styles that protect relationships and rely more on context than direct words. Individualistic societies tend toward more direct communication that is less contextual and relies more on explicit words. It provides examples of how this dimension influences whether a culture has high-context or low-context communication styles.

1. Program

3. HOW ARE YOU? FINE,
THANK YOU!
It does not matter what your internship
location is, the partners you will collaborate
with, or the roles you will hold; Regardless
of the nationalities present in your team,
your status or your knowledge, it is
undeniable that communication will play a
leading role in your intercultural experience.
Your ability to build respectful professional
and interpersonal relationships, to develop
positive collaboration or to make meaningful
gestures for your internship environment,
will inevitably involve communication.

5. Culture has a huge impact on
communication styles. Also, we propose to
explore one of the cultural dimensions that
plays a decisive role on communication!
The COLLECTIVIST-INDIVIDUALIST
dimension
This dimension has been explored by
Geert Hofstede as part of his research.
Before taking an in-depth look at this
dimension, you can hear Dr. Verghese
summarize Geert Hostede’s vision of
culture and hear more on the concept of
culture by clicking on the tablet.
THE IMPACT OF CULTURE
ON COMMUNICATION STYLES
Before taking an in-depth look at this dimension, you can hear Dr. Verghese summarize Geert Hofstede’s vision of culture and hear more on the co
Before taking an in-depth look at this dimension, you can hear Dr. Verghese summarize Geert Hofstede’s vision of culture and hear more on the

6. These descriptions
represent the poles of a
continuum along which the
different societies and
national cultures are
situated. The same goes
for the persons.

8. How does this dimension influence
communication styles?
It seems that the more a society places importance on relationships, group membership
and harmony within the group, the more it tends to use so-called "indirect" communication
styles. These styles will help protect established relationships. Also, it is the strong links
established between these people that allow them, among other things, to be much less
explicit and rely more on the context and shared referents to communicate a message,
what is called “high-context” cultures.
On the other hand, in societies where persons do not evolve in very strong groups of
membership, where people rather live independent lives, the shared experiences are
fewer and less common-sense, which leads the need for use more direct messages to
communicate. Also, this style of communication, which relies less on context and shared
referents, but more on words, is often associated with so-called “low-context” cultures,
often associated with more individualistic societies.
Edward T. Hall is an
American
anthropologist and
researcher in
intercultural (1914-
2009). He is at the
origin of notions of
"high" and "low"
context.

10.  Using an intermediary person to pass certain
messages that could hurt the relation with the
interlocutor.
 Maintaining a harmonious relationship guides
my message.
 Yes means yes.
 Good communication goes straight to the point.

11. Are you more direct or indirect? Are you sure? How is
your style perceived?
Indirect
Direct
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12. These elements
are tracks for
observation
purposes, but also
for discussions
with your
partners! To see…

13. True or false! Complete and discuss these statements
with another student / partner.
 The smile is universal and is always associated with joy and
pleasure.
 If a team member does not speak in a meeting, he or she is
embarrassed or has no opinion on the subject.
 We can say "thank you" without speaking.
 When someone is angry, it's obvious!
 Who does not say a word agrees!
 Looking in the eyes is a sign of openness and honesty.