High Context and Low Context

1. Worldview High Context and Low Context By YJ

2. Table of Contents High Context vs. Low Context High Context Characteristics of High Context Low Context Characteristics of Low Context Hall’s High/Low-context Cultural Factors Higher Context Cultural Countries Lower Context Cultural Countries High and Low Context Professions Culture Adjustment: High to Low Culture Adjustment: Low to High 2

3. High Context vs. Low Context High-context is that “most of the information is either in the physical context or initialized in the person, while very little is in the coded, explicit, transmitted part of the message.” (Hall). low-context communication is “the mass of information is vested in the explicit code”. (Hall) Images from celt.iastate.edu 3

4. High Context High context refers to societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other. (From http://culture-at-work.com) 4

5. Characteristics of High Context People are aware of who is accepted as a group member Much formal information and rules are known, less requirement in writing People know what the other person means by reading hidden cues. Long lasting relationships Knowledge is confidential with closer relationships Activities and decisions based on rapport and personable relationships. Authoritative figures are mostly in control 5

6. Low Context Low context refers to societies where people tend to have many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason. In these societies, cultural behavior and beliefs may need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the cultural environment know how to behave. (From http://culture-at-work.com) 6

7. Characteristics of Low Context People play by clearly defined external rules A clear pattern of activities Information is specific and transparent Close relationships for a small duration of time Knowledge is open and transferable Focus on task and responsibilities are shared Results are the top priority in decision making 7

8. Hall’s High/Low-context Cultural Factors Factor  High-context culture Low-context culture Overtness of messages Many covert and implicit messages, with use of metaphor and reading between the lines. Many overt and explicit messages that are simple and clear. Locus of control and attribution for failure Inner locus of control and personal acceptance for failure Outer locus of control and blame of others for failure  Use of non-verbal communication Much nonverbal communication More focus on verbal communication than body language Expression of reaction Reserved, inward reactions Visible, external, outward reaction Cohesion and separation of groups Strong distinction between ingroup and outgroup . Strong sense of family. Flexible and open grouping patterns, changing as needed People bonds Strong people bonds with affiliation to family and community Fragile bonds between people with little sense of loyalty. Level of commitment to relationships High commitment to long-term relationships. Relationship more important than task. Low commitment to relationship. Task more important than relationships. Flexibility of time Time is open and flexible. Process is more important than product Time is highly organized. Product is more important than process From ChangingMinds.org 8

9. Higher Context Cultural Countries Mexico China Japan India Brazil 9

10. Lower Context Cultural Countries America Scandinavia Swaziland Germany Australia 10

11. High and Low Context Professions Human Resources Marketing/Sales Manufacturing Products Research and Development Technical Information Systems Engineers Finance High Context Low Context 11

12. Culture Adjustment: High to Low Take at face value Direct communication Focus on tasks Respect privacy 12

13. Culture Adjustment: Low to High Observe body language carefully Save face Build relationships Think creatively 13

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