Intercultural Communication and the Decision-Making Process [microform] : Americans and Malaysians in a Cooperative University Setting / Kim Hughes Wilhelm
- Bib ID:
- 5587652
- Format:
- Book and Microform
- Author:
- Wilhelm, Kim Hughes
- Online Version:
- https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED388100
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- Description:
-
- [Washington, D.C.] : Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse, 1995
- 25 p.
- Summary:
-
A study investigated the application of Geert Hofstede's theory of cultural dimensions in management to the situation of Malaysian (n=8) and American (n=4) instructors in implementing a new English-as-a-Second-Language curriculum in Malaysia. American and Malaysian cultures are compared on four dimensions: social differentiation by gender; desire for certainty; acceptance of unequal power distribution; and interdependence between individuals. Differences between the Malaysian and American teachers on these dimensions are then examined, based on observations in meetings in which interaction and problem-solving were required. It is observed that the Americans needed to learn that within this context: (1) the meetings were not decision-making events but decision-initiating events; (2) roles of friendly surrogates need to be understood for the purposes of negotiation and consensus-reaching; (3) stress and methods to alleviate it when soliciting open, direct communications and constructive criticisms need to be understood; (4) communication techniques and behavior to enhance and protect others' dignity or "face" need to be learned; (5) indirect communications being used need to be listened to in order to sort out the true message; and (6) medium of communication (oral vs. written) was an important factor. Appendices include: Hofstede's descriptors of societal dimensions and Malaysian/American decision-making and communication differences. Contains two references. (MSE)
- Notes:
-
- ERIC Note: Paper presented at the meeting of the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (29th, Long Beach, CA, March 28-April 1, 1995) and at an International Conference on "Intercultural Communication: The Last Twenty-Five Years and the Next" (Rochester, New York, July 13-15, 1995).
- May also be available online. Address as at 14/8/18: https://eric.ed.gov/
- Reproduction:
- Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.
- Subject:
- Genre/Form:
- Available From:
- ERIC
- Copyright:
-
In Copyright
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- Material type:
- Literary, dramatic or musical work
- Published status:
- Published
- Publication date:
- 1995
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