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Cross Cultural Communication Theory and Practice PDFDrive (1)
Richard Lewis
Richard Lewis is the Chairman of Richard Lewis Communications, an international institute of cross- cultural and linguistic training in over 30 countries. His key work is When Cultures Collide (first published in 1996, now in its third edition, published in 2011). This builds on work by the Halls and Hofstede, and provides an essentially practical guide to under- standing different cultures. Lewis identifies three types of culture (Lewis, 2011: 33–4). These are summarized below: Linear- active: examples are the Germans, Americans, Swiss and Swedes, who tend to be highly organized, task- orientated and do one thing at a time. Time for them is clock- related as they are basically monochronic. Information is imparted in sequential blocks. Emphasis is placed on getting things done. Relationships are built through successful business rather than as a precursor to business itself. Multi- active: examples are the Arabs, Africans, Greeks, Italians and most Asians, who are characterized by flexible planning to deal with frequent change. They are polychronic and like to develop and acquire informa- tion polysynchronically. They are happy with interruptions and are less interested in schedules or punctuality. They build a network of contacts and often tend to handle information at a tangent, that is, one idea will spark another. They also tend to adapt to circumstances rather than appearing anxious about change. Most of the world’s cultures tend to be multi- active and are seen by linear- active cultures as more disorganized, whereas the former see linear- active cultures as less flexible and, at times, verging on the arrogant. Reactive: examples are the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans and Finns, who prefer to listen first, make sure of the other person’s position and then react. They do not speak in a direct way, but often prefer to ‘beat about the bush’. As a result, they can be, to some extent, considered as a ‘wait and see’ culture. They often prefer to know their counterpart’s position before exposing their own. They see events repeating themselves, and in these cultures, knowl- edge and wisdom are accumulated over time. These cultures are reflective • • • • Key Thinkers in Cross- Cultural Communication (2) 57 and introvert, and value silence and contemplation. They are skilled in non- verbal communication, using subtle body language. This approach can cause anxiety when they communicate with linear- active or multi- active cultures. They are more collective than proactive individualist cultures. In reactive cultures, communication is often a monologue, with pauses for reflection, as opposed to both linear- active and multi- active cultures, which prefer a dialogue mode of communication, with interruptions, comments and questions, all of which indicate interest in what is being said. The Lewis Cultural Model is shown below in diagrammatic form. Reactive Multi-active Linear-active Figure 3.2 The Lewis Cultural Model (Lewis, 2011: 41) Download 1.51 Mb. Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |
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