VALUE DIFFERENCES INDIVIDUALISTIC VS COLLECTIVISTIC LANGUAGE STYLES POWERGENDER

Individualistic◦ “I” oriented◦ Personal

achievement/growth◦ What is best for

“me” Collectivistic

◦ “We” oriented◦ Cooperation

Low context style◦ Message content◦ very precise/direct◦ “what is your point”

High context style◦ Context is key◦ Harmony

Low power distance◦ Minimize differences◦ Allow for debate◦ Does not eliminate

hierarchy system High power distance

◦ Maintains differences◦ Hierarchy system

enforced

Masculine dominated◦ Dominance◦ Status◦ Strict gender roles

Feminine culture◦ Sensitivity◦ Compassion◦ Connection

Cultural relativism ◦ All beliefs, customs,

and ethics are relative to the individual within his own context.

◦ What is right to one culture may be considered wrong to another.

◦ “I will impose my culture on you”

Misattribution◦ misreading

behavior Interpersonal mis-

communications◦ understand the

cultural norms/roles/rules of the culture

◦ “what works in “A” will not work with “B”

Pay attention to your behavior◦ Do not label

until…◦ Open to new

information ◦ Recognize

different perspectives

Promote convergence (similarities between cultures)◦ adjust styles of

speaking◦ find common

ground◦ ask questions