Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

67. What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles

Sep 13, 2022

Michele Gelfand, a leading expert in cross-cultural management, dives into the intriguing world of social norms. She discusses the concept of 'tight' versus 'loose' cultures, revealing how these frameworks shape our behaviors and communication styles. Gelfand explains why societies have varying levels of adherence to norms, and how this affects everyday situations, from road rules to library etiquette. The conversation highlights the impact of perceived threats on communication, adding depth to our understanding of cultural dynamics.

20:04

Creator website

Episode guests

Michele Gelfand

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Tight cultures emphasize order and conformity, while loose cultures promote creativity and adaptability.

Threat levels influence cultural tightness, with strict norms arising in response to significant challenges.

Deep dives

Understanding Tight and Loose Cultures

The discussion delves into the concept of tight and loose cultures. Tight cultures, characterized by strict social norms, exhibit more order, less crime, and better self-control. In contrast, loose cultures, with more permissive norms, are associated with openness, creativity, and adaptability. The balance between order and openness impacts behavior, with tight cultures emphasizing uniformity and self-regulation, while loose cultures prioritize tolerance and creativity.

Intro

4min

Exploring the Dynamics of Tight and Loose Cultures

3min

Cultural Dynamics: The Influence of Threat on Communication Styles

2min

The Language of Threat: Communication and Society

7min

Essential Ingredients for Effective Communication

3min

Why do we drive on only one side of the road? Why don’t we sing in libraries? Why wear a swimsuit?

For Professor Michele Gelfand, it all comes down to culture. As a cross-cultural psychologist, Gelfand is fascinated by social environments and their effects on human behavior, particularly, how strictly people adhere to social norms.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Gelfand joins host and lecturer of strategic communications Matt Abrahams to explain why some cultures are “tight” and “have strict social norms,” while others are “loose,” with “more permissibility of behavior.”

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Episode Reference Links:

********
Get $50 off coaching today at Strawberry.me/smart
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more