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.