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You're attending a sales meeting at the head office of a chain of pharmacies in a low-context culture. The meeting goes smoothly, though one of the managers challenges your data. Which statements represent appropriate communication strategies you might use?

1) . "Hi Mike. It's good to meet the new boss. The rest of you - Sheila, Ross, and Jim - I remember from last year."
2) "Let's get right to the point. I'm here to save you at least 10"
3) "That's not accurate, Jim. You should check your numbers."
4) "Let's have a moment of quiet reflection, so we can all consider the merits of this proposal."
5) "That could be something I would look into at a future date."

User Mike Vine
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In a low-context culture, clear and direct communication that is polite and firm is appropriate when correcting errors during meetings. Building positive relationships by remembering names and greeting colleagues is also important. Addressing conflicts constructively and with care is essential, involving open-ended questions and a focus on problem-solving.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a low-context culture, where communication tends to be explicit and direct, certain communication strategies are more effective than others. If challenged on data in a meeting, a professional approach is to politely and firmly correct the error while providing evidence or offering to verify the information in question. For instance, saying "That's not accurate, Jim. You should check your numbers", presents a direct and clear response, which is appropriate in this cultural context.

Furthermore, building positive first impressions and rapport with coworkers is essential. Greeting people by name, as in the statement "Hi Mike. It's good to meet the new boss. The rest of you - Sheila, Ross, and Jim - I remember from last year", is an excellent way to make personal connections while still keeping the conversation professional.

Additionally, addressing conflict and misunderstandings effectively is critical. Rather than being confrontational, it's advised to choose words carefully to avoid inflaming the situation, ask open-ended questions, and focus on problem-solving to approach issues in a constructive manner. This is reflected in a willingness to explore matters in depth, as indicated by the statement "That could be something I would look into at a future date".

User Brady Moritz
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