ReThinking
Decoding cross-cultural communication with Erin Meyer
Feb 25, 2025
Erin Meyer, a professor at INSEAD and author of "The Culture Map," dives into the fascinating world of cross-cultural communication. She discusses how cultural norms shape honesty and assertiveness, and shares her personal experiences with misunderstandings on her book tour in Japan. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting communication styles for effective collaboration across cultures. Meyer also emphasizes laughter as a bridge in cross-cultural interaction and the critical role of cultural intelligence in diverse workplaces.
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Quick takeaways
- Cultural norms significantly influence communication styles, highlighting the need to adapt approaches to foster participation across diverse teams.
- Feedback practices vary greatly by culture, necessitating an understanding of these differences for effective workplace dynamics and relationships.
Deep dives
Understanding Cross-Cultural Communication
Cross-cultural communication often presents challenges due to varying cultural norms regarding expressiveness and interaction styles. For instance, Americans tend to be more direct and expressive in meetings, often speaking up to show engagement, while individuals from collectivistic cultures, such as Japan, may avoid direct eye contact and remain silent until prompted. This difference was highlighted through the speaker's experience in Japan, where participants did not raise their hands for questions but instead waited for someone to notice their interest through subtle cues. Such experiences emphasize the importance of adapting communication styles to respect cultural differences and encourage participation across diverse teams.
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