Explain and give examples for two of the barriers to effective intercultural communication
What will be an ideal response
Assuming superiority: Ethnocentrism is a belief that our own culture, its values and assumptions, are superior to another culture. This may lead to negative interpretations of another culture's traditions and lead to the communication of superiority. If I were to travel to a Latin country, I might find their easygoing approach unacceptable and an indication of laziness. This attitude could inhibit communication and create a negative or hostile atmosphere.
Assuming similarity: Different communication codes may result in confusion due to simply not knowing the symbols and their meanings. Even if you can translate the language, the use or meaning of the terms or concepts may vary. In England, the word "boot" is a term used to refer to the trunk of a car. An American might be confused if asked to put something in the "boot."
Assuming differences: It can be just as detrimental to assume someone is different from you, as it is to assume that we are all alike. Research has indicated that there are many similarities that all cultures share such as beliefs about death, division of labor by sex, childhood fear of strangers, experience of certain emotions such as envy, pain, jealousy, shame, and pride, etc. Communication effectiveness is diminished when we assume we are different in every way.
Stereotyping and prejudice: They are based on inaccurate and negative impressions that we have of others that do not allow for individual or cultural differences. They tend to be all encompassing categories applied to members of a group. A stereotype that identifies Africans as ignorant and backward people could seriously impair economic or humanitarian interactions. Assuming similarity can impact intercultural communication by identifying similarities in beliefs and behavior that are not there. While human beings have certain similarities, cultural differences can generate wide discrepancies in how people understand the world and act. Americans tend to place great emphasis on timeliness, other cultures do not. Assuming that someone adopts the same approach to timeliness may result in considerable frustration and ill will.
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Social exchange theory suggests that people __________.
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Passive, nonassertive communicators usually display all of the following characteristics except:
a. they are reluctant to express opinions. b. they fear criticism from others. c. they feel a greater sense of power. d. they may experience high levels of communication apprehension. e. they are often dissatisfied with the outcome of communication experiences.
Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a justification for strategic flexibility?
A. Leaders must be able to apply exactly the same set of solutions to every problem. B. The world is complex. C. Problems are complicated. D. Circumstances are intricate and involved.
According to equity theory, we are happiest when we get the maximum amount of rewards from our relationship, regardless of what the other person is getting
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.