A major differentiating factor that is a primary cause of noise in the communication process is that of context, which, as you will see, actually incorporates many of the variables just discussed. The context in which the communication takes place affects the meaning and interpretation of the interaction. Cultures are known to be high- or low-context cultures, with a relative range in between. In high-context cultures (Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean), feelings and thoughts are not explicitly expressed; instead, one has to read between the lines and interpret meaning from one's general understanding. Two such high- context cultures were just described-those of South Korea and Arab cultures. In such cultures, key information is embedded in the context rather than made explicit. People make assumptions about what the message means through their knowledge of the person or the surroundings. In these cultures, most communication takes place within a context of extensive information networks resulting from close personal relationships. In low-context cultures (Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and North America), where personal and business relationships are more separated, communication media have to be more explicit. Feelings and thoughts are expressed in words, and information is more readily available.
In cross-cultural communication between high- and low-context people, a lack of understanding may preclude reaching a solution, and conflict may arise. Germans, for example, will expect considerable detailed information before making a business decision, whereas Arabs will base their decision more on knowledge of the people involved-the information is still there, but it is implicit.
People in high-context cultures expect others to understand unarticulated moods, subtle gestures, and environmental clues that people from low-context cultures simply do not process. Misinterpretation and misunderstanding often result. People from high-context cultures perceive those from low-context cultures as too talkative, too obvious, and redundant. Those from low-context cultures perceive high-context people as nondisclosing, sneaky, and mysterious.39 Research indicates, for example, that Americans find talkative people more attractive, whereas Koreans, high-context people, perceive less verbal people as more attractive. Finding the right balance between low- and high-context communication can be tricky, as Hall and Hall point out: Too much information leads people to feel they are being talked down to; too little information can mystify them or make them feel left out.40 Exhibit 4-4 shows the relative level of context in various countries.
The importance of understanding the role of context and nonverbal language to avoid misinterpretation is illustrated in the following section describing communication between Americans and Arabs.
Context : Communication article from Comparative Management Catagory Context
Context Communication article from Communication Comparative Management.Free learning from data about Context Communication Comparative Management Business Management,online business management,business management classes,online business management degrees