Question

Although you may live in a low context culture, there are likely aspects of your life that are more geared towards a high context interaction. Identify two different situations—one in which you have engaged in a high context interaction and one in which you have engaged in a low context interaction. Explain the type of relationship you have with the other person in each interaction. Briefly explain the delivery mode used (face-to-face conversation, email, text message, etc.) as well as the context of your exchange and how these things impact the way you communicate with this person

Answer 1

Here is an example of a high-context interaction and a low-context interaction that might occur:

High context interaction: A close friend or family member asks you for help moving to a new apartment. This interaction involves a face-to-face conversation, and the context includes the close relationship between you and the other person. The delivery mode (face-to-face conversation) and the context of the exchange (a close relationship) contribute to the high context nature of the interaction, as nonverbal cues and shared history are likely to be important in understanding the request and the underlying motivations.

Low context interaction: A colleague at work asks you to review a report that they have written. This interaction involves an email exchange, and the context includes the professional relationship between you and the other person. The delivery mode (email) and the context of the exchange (a professional relationship) contribute to the low context nature of the interaction, as explicit and direct communication is likely to be more important in understanding the request and the underlying motivations.