2. Table of Contents
High Context vs. Low Context
High Context
Characteristics of High Context
Low Context
Characteristics of Low Context
Hall’s High/Low-context Cultural Factors
Higher Context Cultural Countries
Lower Context Cultural Countries
High and Low Context Professions
Culture Adjustment: High to Low
Culture Adjustment: Low to High
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3. High Context vs. Low Context
High-context is that “most of the
information is either in the physical
context or initialized in the
person, while very little is in the
coded, explicit, transmitted part of
the message.” (Hall).
low-context communication is
“the mass of information is
vested in the explicit code”. (Hall)
Images from celt.iastate.edu
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4. High Context
High context refers to societies or groups where people have
close connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of
cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members
know what to do and what to think from years of interaction
with each other.
(From http://culture-at-work.com)
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5. Characteristics of High Context
People are aware of who is
accepted as a group member
Much formal information and rules
are known, less requirement in
writing
People know what the other
person means by reading hidden
cues.
Long lasting relationships
Knowledge is confidential with
closer relationships
Activities and decisions based on
rapport and personable
relationships.
Authoritative figures are mostly in
control
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6. Low Context
Low context refers to societies where people tend to have
many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific
reason. In these societies, cultural behavior and beliefs may
need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the
cultural environment know how to behave.
(From http://culture-at-work.com)
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7. Characteristics of Low Context
People play by clearly defined
external rules
A clear pattern of activities
Information is specific and
transparent
Close relationships for a small
duration of time
Knowledge is open and
transferable
Focus on task and responsibilities
are shared
Results are the top priority in
decision making
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8. Hall’s High/Low-context Cultural Factors
Factor High-context culture Low-context culture
Many covert and implicit messages, with
Many overt and explicit messages
Overtness of messages use of metaphor and reading between
that are simple and clear.
the lines.
Locus of control and attribution Inner locus of control and personal Outer locus of control and blame of
for failure acceptance for failure others for failure
Use of non-verbal More focus on verbal
Much nonverbal communication
communication communication than body language
Expression of reaction Reserved, inward reactions Visible, external, outward reaction
Cohesion and separation of Strong distinction between ingroup and Flexible and open grouping
groups outgroup. Strong sense of family. patterns, changing as needed
Strong people bonds with affiliation to Fragile bonds between people with
People bonds
family and community little sense of loyalty.
High commitment to long-term Low commitment to relationship.
Level of commitment to
relationships. Task more important than
relationships
Relationship more important than task. relationships.
Time is highly organized.
Time is open and flexible.
Flexibility of time Product is more important than
Process is more important than product
process
From ChangingMinds.org
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11. High and Low Context Professions
Human Resources
Marketing/Sales
Manufacturing Products
Research and Development
Technical
Information Systems
Engineers
Finance
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12. Culture Adjustment: High to Low
Take at face value
Direct communication
Focus on tasks
Respect privacy
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13. Culture Adjustment: Low to High
Observe body
language carefully
Save face
Build relationships
Think creatively
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