Worldview High Context and Low Context

By YJ

Table of Contents

High Context vs. Low Context High Context Characteristics of High Context Low Context Characteristics of Low Context Halls 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

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

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)

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

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)

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

Halls High/Low -context Cultural Factors

Factor
Overtness of messages Locus of control and attribution for failure Use of non-verbal communication Expression of reaction Cohesion and separation of groups

High-context culture
Many covert and implicit messages, with use of metaphor and reading between the lines. Inner locus of control and personal acceptance for failure Much nonverbal communication Reserved, inward reactions Strong distinction between ingroup and outgroup. Strong sense of family. Strong people bonds with affiliation to family and community High commitment to long-term relationships. Relationship more important than task. Time is open and flexible. Process is more important than product
From ChangingMinds.org

Low-context culture
Many overt and explicit messages that are simple and clear.
Outer locus of control and blame of others for failure More focus on verbal communication than body language Visible, external, outward reaction Flexible and open grouping patterns, changing as needed Fragile bonds between people with little sense of loyalty. Low commitment to relationship. Task more important than relationships. Time is highly organized. Product is more important than process

People bonds
Level of commitment to relationships

Flexibility of time

Higher Context Cultural Countries

Lower Context Cultural Countries

10

High and Low Context Professions

Human Resources
Marketing/Sales Manufacturing Products Research and Development Technical Information Systems

Engineers
Finance

11

Culture Adjustment: High to Low

Take at face value Direct communication Focus on tasks Respect privacy

12

Culture Adjustment: Low to High

Observe body language carefully Save face Build relationships Think creatively

13

14