What are some common communication styles in different cultures?

3 Monochronic vs polychronic

A third dimension of communication styles is the way people perceive and manage time. Monochronic cultures, such as those in North America, Western Europe, and Australia, view time as a linear, sequential, and finite resource, and value punctuality, schedules, and deadlines. Polychronic cultures, such as those in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, view time as a flexible, cyclical, and abundant resource, and value relationships, spontaneity, and multitasking. When communicating with a monochronic culture, you need to be on time, stick to the agenda, and focus on one topic at a time. When communicating with a polychronic culture, you need to be flexible, adaptable, and open to interruptions and changes.

4 High-power distance vs low-power distance

A fourth dimension of communication styles is the degree of inequality and hierarchy that is accepted or challenged in a society. High-power distance cultures, such as those in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, accept and expect a large gap between the powerful and the powerless, and value authority, status, and formality. Low-power distance cultures, such as those in North America, Western Europe, and Australia, prefer and promote a small gap between the powerful and the powerless, and value equality, participation, and informality. When communicating with a high-power distance culture, you need to show respect for the elders, leaders, and experts, and use a more formal, polite, and deferential communication style. When communicating with a low-power distance culture, you need to show respect for the peers, subordinates, and novices, and use a more casual, friendly, and egalitarian communication style.

5 Expressive vs reserved

A fifth dimension of communication styles is the level of emotion and enthusiasm that is displayed or concealed in a message. Expressive cultures, such as those in Latin America, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, show and share their feelings openly, and use a more animated, lively, and colorful communication style. Reserved cultures, such as those in North America, Northern Europe, and Asia, hide and control their feelings internally, and use a more calm, restrained, and neutral communication style. When communicating with an expressive culture, you need to match their energy, passion, and humor, and use a more vivid, dramatic, and personal communication style. When communicating with a reserved culture, you need to tone down your emotions, exaggerations, and jokes, and use a more factual, rational, and impersonal communication style.

6 Universalism vs particularism

A sixth dimension of communication styles is the extent to which people apply general rules and principles, or specific circumstances and exceptions, in their decision making and problem solving. Universalistic cultures, such as those in North America, Western Europe, and Australia, follow and expect consistent, objective, and universal standards and norms, and value fairness, justice, and honesty. Particularistic cultures, such as those in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, adapt and negotiate according to the context, relationship, and situation, and value loyalty, compassion, and flexibility. When communicating with a universalistic culture, you need to provide evidence, logic, and consistency, and avoid contradictions, exceptions, and compromises. When communicating with a particularistic culture, you need to consider the context, relationship, and situation, and avoid absolutes, judgments, and accusations.