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Worldview

High Context and Low Context

By YJ

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High Context vs. Low Context

High- context is that most of theinformation is either in the physicalcontext or initialized in the person,while very little is in the coded,

explicit, transmitted part of themessage. (Hall).

low-context communication isthe mass of information is

vested in the explicit code. (Hall)

Images from celt.iastate.edu

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High Context

High context refers to societies or groups where people haveclose connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most membersknow what to do and what to think from years of interactionwith each other.

(From http://culture-at-work.com)

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Characteristics of High Context

People are aware of who isaccepted as a group member Much formal information and rulesare known, less requirement inwriting

People know what the other person means by reading hiddencues.Long lasting relationshipsKnowledge is confidential withcloser relationships

Activities and decisions based onrapport and personablerelationships.

Authoritative figures are mostly incontrol

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Low Context

Low context refers to societies where people tend to havemany connections but of shorter duration or for some specificreason. In these societies, cultural behavior and beliefs mayneed to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into thecultural environment know how to behave.

(From http://culture-at-work.com)

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Characteristics of Low Context

People play by clearly definedexternal rules

A clear pattern of activitiesInformation is specific and

transparentClose relationships for a smallduration of timeKnowledge is open andtransferable

Focus on task and responsibilitiesare sharedResults are the top priority indecision making

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Higher Context Cultural Countries

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Lower Context Cultural Countries

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High and Low Context Professions

Human Resources

Marketing/Sales

Manufacturing Products

Research and Development

Technical

Information Systems

Engineers

Finance

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Culture Adjustment: High to Low

Take at face valueDirect communicationFocus on tasksRespect privacy

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Culture Adjustment: Low to High

Observe bodylanguage carefullySave face

Build relationshipsThink creatively

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