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Six Fundamental Patterns of Cultural Differences

These descriptions point out recurring causes of cross-cultural communication difficulties. Next time
you find yourself in a confusing situation, and you suspect that cross-cultural differences are part of
the problem, review this list. Ask yourself how culture may be shaping your reactions, and try to see
the world from others' points of view. Remember that the ways people communicate vary widely
between and sometimes within cultures.

Different communication styles

Language usage is one aspect of communication style. Across cultures words and phrases are
often used in different ways. For example, even in countries that share the English language,
the meaning of "yes" varies from "maybe, I'll consider it" to "definitely so," with many shades
in between.
The degree of importance given to non-verbal communication is a major aspect of
communication style. It includes facial expressions and gestures, seating arrangement,
personal distance, and sense of time.
The appropriate degree of assertiveness in communicating can add to cultural
misunderstandings. For example, some white Americans consider raised voices a sign of a
fight, while some African-American, Jewish, and Italian Americans feel that an increase in
volume is a sign of an exciting conversation among friends. So, some people may react with
alarm to a loud discussion, when others may not.

Different attitudes toward conflict

Some cultures view conflict as a positive thing, while others view it as something to be
avoided. In the U.S., conflict is not usually desirable, but people often are encouraged to deal
directly with conflicts that arise.
Face-to-face meetings customarily are recommended as the way to work through problems
that exist in the U.S. But in many Eastern countries, open conflict is seen as embarrassing or
demeaning. As a rule, differences are best worked out quietly . A written exchange might be
the favored means to address conflict.

Different approaches to completing tasks

Various cultures move toward completing tasks in different ways. Factors involved are
different access to resources, different judgments of rewards associated with task completion,
different notions of time, and varied ideas about how relationship-building and task-oriented
work should go together.
When working together effectively on a task, cultures differ regarding importance placed on
establishing relationships early in a collaboration. For example, Asian and Hispanic cultures
tend to attach more emphasis on task completion toward the end as compared with European-
Americans. European-Americans tend to focus immediately on the task at hand, and let
relationships develop as they work on the task. This doesn't mean that people from various
cultural backgrounds are more or less committed to accomplishing the task, or value
relationships more or less, it just means they may pursue them differently.

Different decision-making styles

In the U.S., decisions are frequently delegated, an official assigns responsibility for a matter to
a subordinate.
In many Southern European and Latin American countries, a strong value is placed on the
individual having decision-making responsibilities.

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Majority rule is a common approach in the U.S., but consensus is the preferred mode in Japan.

Different attitudes about open emotion and personal matters

In some cultures it is not appropriate to be frank about emotions, about the reasons behind a
conflict or a misunderstanding, or about personal information.
When dealing with conflict, be aware that others may feel differently than you about what
they are comfortable revealing. Questions that seem natural to you (e.g., What was the conflict
about? What was your role in the conflict? What was the sequence of events?) may seem
intrusive to others.
Variation in attitudes toward disclosure should be considered before concluding that you
understand the views, experience, and goals of people you're working with .

Different approaches to knowing

There can be big differences among cultural groups about how people come to know things
(epistemologies).
European cultures tend to believe that information acquired through cognitive means
(counting, measuring) is more valid than other ways of gathering information.
African cultures prefer symbolic imagery and rhythm as a mode of learning.
Asian cultures tend to emphasize the validity of knowledge gained through striving for
enlightenment or perfection.
Some may want to do library research to understand a shared problem and identify solutions,
while others may prefer to visit places and people who have experienced challenges like the
one being faced to get a feeling for what has worked elsewhere.
Research shows that Western society is paying more attention to other ways of knowing,
because this can reveal different approaches to analyze and resolve problems.

Adapted from the AMPU Guide