Continuing Professional Development

CPD-M

4 Culture & Communication

Level M

Prepared by: MOH Quality checked by: RHR

Copyright 2010 APIIT/UCTI

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this session, YOU should be able to :

Explain concepts of Culture

Discuss cultural differences
Identify Cultural Barriers to Communication
Demonstrate better Cross-Cultural Communication

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Slide 2 of 11

Goals
Raise our awareness of culture(s)
Identify some barriers to communication
Discuss ways to overcome these barriers

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

What is Communication?
a process by which two individuals try to
exchange a set of ideas, feelings, symbols
meanings.
Pierre Casse Teaching for the Cross-Cultural Mind

The Communication Model

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

What is Culture?
Values and perspectives shared by
people who are "conditioned by similar
education and life experience
Regional
: country, area, community
Religious
: sects, variations, etc.. .
Corporate
: industry, company, department
Other groups
: schools, clubs, etc
Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Characteristics of Culture
Culture is not inherent, but learned
Cultures are rooted in deep seated beliefs
Culture is the basis for self-identity and community
Cultures are dynamic

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

The Iceberg Concept

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

3 Cultural Value Dimensions

Identity
Collectivism
Individualism
Hierarchy
Large power distance Small power distance
Gender
Femininity
Masculinity
Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Low Context Culture

Tends to prefer direct verbal interaction
Tends to understand meaning at one level only .
Is generally less proficient in reading non verbal cues
Values individualism
Relies more on logic
Communicates in highly structured message , provides
details ,give authorities to written information

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

High Context Culture

Tends to prefer indirect verbal interaction
Tends to understand meanings embedded at many
socio-cultural levels .
Generally more proficient in reading non verbal cues.
Values group membership.
Communicates in simple ,ambiguous , non-contexted
messages ; understands visual message readily.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Cultural Differences in
Communication
Role of written communication
Role of meetings
Patterns of reasoning and argumentation
Level of formality in inter-personal Communications
Oral prsentation style
Non-verbal communication behaviors

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Considerations in CrossCultural Communication

Frequency of eye Contact
Assertiveness
Use of Hands While Talking
Physical Distance Between Communicators
Speed of Speech
Use of First Names vs. Titles
Volume of Speech
Use of Facial Expressions

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Strategies
Language
Always ask for clarification

Non-verbal communication
Dont take it personally

Attitudes/Beliefs/Values
Educate yourself
Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Strategies
Stereotypes/misinterpretations
Recognize that you cannot change the culture or
yourself overnight
Try not to judge others by your own cultural values

Stress
Accept some ambiguity
Be patient and forgiving

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

10 Tips
Slow Down
Separate Questions.
Avoid Negative Questions.
Take Turns.
Write it Down.
Be Supportive.
Check Meanings.
Avoid Slang.
Watch the humor.
Maintain Etiquette.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

7 Pieces of Practical Advice

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7

Dont assume sameness.

Normal behavior is not universal.
yes can mean many things.
Dont assume you were understood.
Dont assume that you understand.
You dont have to like different behavior, but
try to understand where it comes from.
Most people do behave rationally; you just have
to discover the rationale.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Sources
Cross-Cultural Communication
Harisudhen - SOM-DMS
Pondicherry University
(Presentation)

Communicating Across Cultural Barriers

Nancy G. Abney - MA-TESOL
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Graduate School Professional Development Program
(Presentation)

Cross-cultural Communication Skills for Life

Deborah Hefferon
TEA Orientation
(Presentation)
Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)

Question Time

Q?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD-M)