Culture
24 10 2012When it comes to cultural backgrounds and communication its clearly noted that everywhere around the world people communicate differently. Our group is comprised of many different backgrounds. For example, Mike is Italian and in his culture hand gestures are used as part of their communication. They prefer to meet in person since the culture really values their face-to-face time rather than using one way communication. Below is a video clip to demonstrate.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z8CBO-KnjM
Observe this clip of a random Italian fellow who is speaking on the phone but clearly using a lot of hand gestures. It’s clear that his communication (the physical aspects of it especially) would come across much clearer if he were on a video conference rather than simply speaking on the phone.
Another team member is from Japan, Marika. In her culture its considered rude to use cell phones in public places and therefore its banned from many areas. As an alternative people tend to communicate via text messaging. Since this is the most common way of communicating, shorthand symbolic features are used named Kanji. Kanji simplifies and shortens text drastically making it an easy and efficient way to communicate.
Here is a short clip made by Marika on Japan’s cultural mannerisms.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J0yNbAN-14
Jenny, a team member from Russia, says that her culture has many unspoken rules. Many of these rules can really affect how other Russian people perceive you. When using written virtual communication or verbal there is one important thing to remember, use appropriate personal pronouns. Also when addressing someone as ‘you’ it’s imperative to use the correct form of ‘you’. If not used correctly it can affect drastically, especially in the work force.
Other cultural backgrounds in our dynamic group are German (Nataleigh) and Spanish (Judy). In the German culture, communication is very direct and to the point. Conversely, in the Spanish culture bodily gestures are used to communicate and express emotions. In addition, similar to the Russian culture, the appropriate use of personal pronouns are important.
Collectively as a group we meet all the criteria’s needed to form and affective virtual team. With Mike’s Italian culture, video conferencing is the best tool that can be used. In Marika’s culture, emailing and texting is best. In Nataleigh’s culture discussion boards and chatting are ideal and for the Russian and Spanish culture video and audio conferencing seem to be the most effective.
Go Team A!!
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