Reflections on Communication Systems 1: Components and Representation

Today's class started with a theoretical discussion on Hofstede's dimensions of cultural variability and its relation to intercultural communication. Firstly, we learnt that people recognize and accept a hierachy in high power distance cultures. In contrast, low power distance cultures are more egalitarian. In general, high power distance tends to be a feature of collectivist societies such as China and Japan and low power distance is typical of individualistic countries such as America.

The next dimension we discussed was uncertainty avoidance which concerns cultural values concerning risk. As differences in uncertainty avoidance may affect intercultural communication, I think it is important to be sensitive and accepting to how far various cultures are able to tolerate uncertainty and ambiguous situations. It was interesting to see that Singapore has a low uncertainty avoidance; in other words, it shows that Singaporeans are relatively willing and able to take risks.

Thirdly, we discussed the dimension of individualism and collectivism. I learnt that in individualistic cultures, ties between individuals are loose and people tend to look after themselves and their immediate family. In addition, individual interests prevails over that of the group and values of independence and personal identity are emphasized. On the other hand, cohesive groups are found in collectivistic cultures in which the interest of the group is emphasized. People also take care of their extended family and the value of interdependence and cooperation holds center stage. Although Singapore ranks more towards a collectivism, I think it is interesting to see that throughout the years, especially in this generation, we tend to be moving more towards in individualistic mindset; i.e in areas of education, career etc. However, some other aspects of life in Singapore still portray a collectivistic outlook, such as the emphasis on the family.

Following this, we learnt about the dimension of masculinity and femininity, which simply put refers to the extent which societies stress masculine characteristics such as assertiveness, achievement, ambition, etc or feminine characteristics such as nurturing, concerns for others, etc. In this light, Singapore ranks around the middle of the continuum.

Finally, we discussed the dimension of long term and short term orientation. I learnt that Singapore has a long term orientation, with values such as persistence, being thrifty, sense of shame and an ordering relationship by status. In comparision, short term orientation cultures have a tendency of protecting 'face' and a respect for tradition.

The tutorial activities we discussed helped us in the application of these various dimensions through classifying and categorizing various statements and situations into their respective dimensions. Finally, we watched a video on cross cultural communication skills and techniques. I felt it was very enriching and insightful as we learnt the importance of adopting an open mind to cultural differences and having a genuine acceptance of the communication styles of people in other cultures.