Some people stand really close to each other when they talk. Some people stand across the room when they chat. So, do you close the gap or ask people to back up and provide some space?
Often different cultures have different orientations to social space. Spatial distance is just as powerful […]
You have probably noticed, personally and professionally, that some people arrive five or ten minutes early for appointments. Some people arrive twenty to thirty minutes later than scheduled. It could be a cross-cultural communication issue.
Cultures organize time and space differently. A researcher named Edward Hall categorizes cultures as either monochronic or polychronic.
Monochronic orientations emphasize schedules, […]
Have you noticed that some people are quite chatty and others are sort of silent?
Silence can convey so many different messages across cultures. Silence can be used to express disagreement, surprise, sorrow, defiance, approval, embarrassment, obligation, criticism, calming, humility, regret, condemnation or consent and many more.
Americans believe that talking is good, that rhetoric is critical […]
As I have gotten older, I have noticed that some of my college students see me as just this old guy that has read a few books. I feel little status. However, some of my other students thank me for sharing my knowledge and ideas, and recognize and support my status.
I have a hunch this […]
The workforce has become more and more diverse: different ages, values, ethnicities, and cultures. Some of people are reluctant talking up or challenging others’ ideas.
People that listen, without challenge, may be members of collectivistic cultures.
They tend to be […]