The aim of this work is to explain the construct of cross-cultural communication using the Richard D. Lewis model and to analyze the differences between cultures. Intercultural communication is often associated with problems, misunderstandings and prejudices. In order to smooth communication and to understand the cultures of other countries there are countless models that try to condense cultural behaviour. While some researchers have looked at geographical divisions like north, south, east and west, others classified people by religion (Muslim, Christian, Hindu) or even by race (African, Indian, Arab). But how do you define the east? How do you classify a person that is African-Arab? Lewis seems to have found a solution to the problem by developing the culture type model in 1996. There are three types of cultures and each nation is analyzed and assigned in detail. Since it is represented as a triangle, hybrid types are also possible. The present work focuses on this model.
A German who is constantly punctual, a Mexican who always interrupts one, or a Japanese who doesn't keep eye contact during the conversation. All these are examples of cultural behavior. While the Mexican can't understand why a German has to leave the meeting at four o'clock on the dot, the Japanese finds it impolite that the Mexican won't let anyone finish the sentence. One often only becomes aware of cultural characteristics and specialties when you move within another culture. These kinds of cross-cultural relations only exist as a result of globalization, the internationalization of markets and new communication technologies. Today, almost everyone is able to communicate and collaborate with people from all over the world. These developments show that intercultural communication and competence is becoming an increasingly important topic. Hardly any large company operates only in its own country. If one wants to make profit, one has to offer one’s products not only in one’s home country, but all over the world. It is essential to know the cultural values and behaviors of other nations to be successful in other markets. Also, political and economic associations like the EU or NAFTA support international collaboration and it is seen as essential and desirable.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 1.1 Aim and structure
- 1.2 Richard Donald Lewis
- 2 Definitions
- 2.1 Culture
- 2.1.1 Core Beliefs
- 2.1.2 Iceberg Model of Culture
- 2.1.3 Organizational Culture Model
- 2.2 Communication
- 2.3 Cross-cultural Communication
- 3 Lewis Model of Culture
- 3.1 Linear-active
- 3.2 Multi-active
- 3.3 Reactive
- 3.4 Intercategory comparisons
- 3.5 Critical reflection
- 4 Practical relevance of crossing culture
- 5 Managing and leading in different cultures
- 5.1 Germany
- 5.2 Mexico
- 5.3 Japan
- 5.4 Intercategory comparisons
- 6 Summary
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the complexities of cross-cultural communication, focusing on the Lewis Model as a framework for understanding cultural differences and their impact on communication and management styles. It examines the model's practical applications in international business and personal interactions.
- Cultural differences and their impact on communication
- The Lewis Model's categorization of cultural behavior
- Practical applications of the Lewis Model in international business
- Management and leadership styles across different cultures
- The importance of cross-cultural competence in a globalized world
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by illustrating the challenges posed by cross-cultural communication through real-world examples of differing cultural behaviors. It highlights the increasing importance of intercultural communication in a globalized world, driven by factors such as globalization, international markets, and advanced communication technologies. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of understanding cultural nuances for success in international business and underscores the significance of intercultural communication in both professional and personal contexts, including immigration and international collaborations. It briefly introduces the existence of various models attempting to explain cultural behaviors, contrasting approaches based on geography, religion, or race.
2 Definitions: This chapter lays the groundwork by defining key terms central to the paper. It provides a definition of culture, exploring its core beliefs and utilizing the iceberg model to illustrate the visible and hidden aspects of culture. The chapter also delves into organizational culture models, establishing a theoretical framework for understanding the cultural context of communication. Crucially, it defines both communication and cross-cultural communication, framing the challenges and complexities addressed in subsequent chapters.
3 Lewis Model of Culture: This chapter introduces the central focus of the paper: Richard Lewis's model of culture. It details the three main cultural types—linear-active, multi-active, and reactive—explaining their characteristics and providing examples to illustrate each type. The chapter also includes a comparative analysis of these types, exploring potential points of conflict and misunderstanding in intercultural interactions. A critical reflection on the model's strengths and limitations likely forms a key part of this chapter's analysis.
4 Practical relevance of crossing culture: This chapter likely delves into the practical implications of the Lewis Model, demonstrating its use in real-world scenarios. It would explore how understanding cultural differences can improve communication, negotiation, and collaboration in international settings. Case studies or examples from business, personal relationships, or other areas might illustrate the practical benefits of cross-cultural awareness.
5 Managing and leading in different cultures: This chapter examines leadership and management styles within different cultures using the Lewis Model as a framework. It would likely use country-specific examples (Germany, Mexico, Japan) to demonstrate how leadership approaches differ across linear-active, multi-active, and reactive cultures. It would analyze the effectiveness of various leadership styles within specific cultural contexts and explore the challenges of managing diverse teams in international settings.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Cross-cultural communication, Lewis Model, intercultural competence, globalization, international management, linear-active, multi-active, reactive, cultural differences, communication styles, leadership styles, organizational culture.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Cross-Cultural Communication
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of cross-cultural communication, focusing on the Lewis Model of Culture as a framework for understanding and navigating cultural differences in communication and management styles. It explores the model's practical applications in international business and personal interactions.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes include the impact of cultural differences on communication, the categorization of cultural behavior using the Lewis Model, practical applications of the model in international business, management and leadership styles across cultures, and the importance of cross-cultural competence in a globalized world.
What is the Lewis Model of Culture?
The Lewis Model is a framework for understanding cultural differences. It categorizes cultures into three main types: linear-active, multi-active, and reactive. Each type has distinct characteristics and communication styles. The document details these types and provides examples to illustrate them, including comparisons and a critical reflection on the model's strengths and limitations.
What are the three cultural types in the Lewis Model?
The three cultural types are:
- Linear-active: Characterized by planning, doing one thing at a time, and valuing direct communication.
- Multi-active: Characterized by doing many things at once, valuing relationships, and using expressive communication.
- Reactive: Characterized by listening carefully, reacting to others, and valuing harmony and avoiding conflict.
How are the cultural types compared and contrasted in the document?
The document compares and contrasts the three cultural types by highlighting their differing communication styles, approaches to decision-making, and overall interaction patterns. It explores potential points of conflict and misunderstanding that can arise from intercultural interactions between these different types.
What is the practical relevance of the Lewis Model?
The document demonstrates the practical relevance of the Lewis Model by exploring its application in real-world scenarios. It shows how understanding cultural differences can improve communication, negotiation, and collaboration in international settings, likely through case studies or examples from various contexts.
How does the document address managing and leading in different cultures?
The document examines leadership and management styles within different cultures using the Lewis Model. It provides country-specific examples (Germany, Mexico, and Japan) to illustrate how leadership approaches differ across the three cultural types. It analyzes the effectiveness of various leadership styles in specific cultural contexts and explores the challenges of managing diverse international teams.
What are the key chapters and their contents?
The document is structured into chapters covering: an introduction setting the context and importance of cross-cultural communication; definitions of key terms such as culture and communication; a detailed explanation of the Lewis Model; the practical application of the model; and finally, an exploration of management and leadership within different cultural contexts. Each chapter provides a summary.
What are the overall objectives of this document?
The main objective is to explore the complexities of cross-cultural communication, using the Lewis Model as a framework. It aims to provide a practical understanding of cultural differences and their impact on communication and management styles in international settings.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include: Cross-cultural communication, Lewis Model, intercultural competence, globalization, international management, linear-active, multi-active, reactive, cultural differences, communication styles, leadership styles, and organizational culture.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2018, Cross Cultural Communication. The Lewis Model and the Differences between Cultures, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/512374
