SO101_Week 2 Assignmnent_IngramB
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Grantham University *
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101
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Communications
Date
Jan 9, 2024
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docx
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5
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Running head: [SHORTENED TITLE UP TO 50 CHARACTERS] 1
The Building Blocks of Culture
Brittany Ingram
Grantham University
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Working in retail we encounter so many different cultures, sometimes it can be difficult but at the same time it is an amazing thing to experience. We get to some what learn about different people from engaging in small talk or when helping customers shop through a country retail store. Not only is their culture different, but so is ours. We have different customs, different
fashion sense, different ways of communicating, etc. There are some building blocks people can use to help with communication between the different cultures. The four-building block of communicating is people, message, context, and listening. When it comes to communicating with people, you can start by thinking of people in a new way, learn their interests. You can do this by communicating based off their personalities. When working in retail this can come in handy, especially when dealing with customers that either do not speak the language, or in my case wear the typical western outerwear. When people come into the store, it is important for us or me to try and influence them to purchase from our store. We would first start off by asking what they are looking for. This gives us an idea of what department we need to head to, whether its men’s apparel, men’s boots, woman’s apparel, or etc. Once in the right department the next question is either the size they need or exactly they are needing. This could range from work boots to casual outer wear. When trying to help people that come from different cultures it is best to start off slow and clear while also asking open ended questions. Once we get an idea of what their interests maybe in the type of department, they are seeking we can get a better understanding of the person in general. There are two types of questioning, open and closed. Open questioning are questions that allow the person to give a free
and open response. This allows the person to provide details when answering so the best solution
could be found. Closed questioning are questions that are normally what questions. These questions have a limited way of responding, and one have a single selection of answers.
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The next part of communication is the message. It is important to have a message that covers both the goal and objective, while also being consistent. When trying to communicate it is
important to try and stay clear and precise in the context of the whole ordeal, even when not knowing how to answer questions or how to perceive the question to begin with. Try not to leave
the conversation even if it may be difficult to answer as this can lead to confusion on the other person, which then leads to conflict. The energy that is being put off also an effect on how the message is being take. Having a positive energy and attitude makes you seem more likeable while also more warm and friendly. Especially when dealing with people from different cultures this is vital. They are already nervous as they speak a different language and is already having a hard enough time with understanding. Making yourself more positive makes you more approachable and helps relax the person so they can be better assisted. The context of a message is the setting and situation where the communication is being taken place. There are two different types of contexts in communication, high and low context. High context is more common in the Asian and South American culture. This type of context uses non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and energy. This form of context
conversations, the listener is expected to listen to what is not being said, sort of like the words between the lines. Everything is expected to be said while nothing is being left unclear. The opposite of this is low context. This form of communication has three different characteristics: direct communication, which is where words are used clearly to convey the message while leaving little no room for interpretation; the speaker switches roles, this is where there is no order
in speakers, during this people speak to others in a direct manner and tend to not wait for others to finish before responding; and finally the informal atmosphere, during this characteristic the
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conversation is not formal, typically it is between friends and family. When talking to other cultures the best characteristic to follow is a low context communication that is direct. The last building block is effective listening. This is being active in the conversation while absorbing the information that is being given. This shows the person that you are taking an
interest in what is being said. While also taking in the information, effective listening is also providing feedback, so the other person knows the message is clear and being understood. Effective listening shows concern, builds bonds, commitment, and trust. Communication with any can be daunting, communicating with others from different cultures. Having a sturdy foundation of communication can makes things easier and more relaxing. Building on the understanding of people, message, context, and listening are the four steps when communicating interculturally.
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References
Linkedin editors. (N.D). The Four Building Blocks. Linkedin.
Brian, Jeremy. (2019). The Four Building Blocks of Successful Communication. Shevvaun Moran.
Unknown. (N.D). Closed-Ended vs Open-Ended Questions: Everything You Need to Know. Pollfish.
Lilly, Derreck. (2014) High and Low Context Cultures-intercultural Communication. Working Voices.
Unknown. (N.D) Listening Effectively. Wright Education.