Definition
Oversimplified beliefs about a culture or its people
Why is culture described as something “passed down” even if no one teaches it directly?
People learn it naturally through observation, imitation, and everyday interaction, not through formal lessons.
Two teammates from different cultural backgrounds disagree about what counts as “being on time.” How would you mediate this?
Suggested answer: Acknowledge that both are right. Get both to share honestly what "being on time" means to them. Propose a middle ground. (Compromising)
What is a stakeholder?
An individual, group or organisation that are involved in an issue. Can influence or be affected by the issue. Have their own motivations.
Why might someone choose “Avoiding” to handle conflict even when the issue is important?
Prevent conflict escalation, calm down from being emotionally overwhelmed, protect the relationship
What’s one thing you’ve learned from another culture that changed how you view your own?
Suggested answer:
In Japan, being on time is seen as a form of respect. Even small delays come with apologies. I realised that in Malay culture, we sometimes value relationships and flexibility so much that punctuality can become secondary.
It made me reflect how both cultures are driven by respect, but they express it differently. For the Japanese, respect means valuing people’s time. For Malays, respect means being warm, understanding, and patient with others.
Now, I try to balance both, like keeping the Malay heart of kindness and empathy, but also learning from the Japanese sense of discipline and precision.
What is cultural miscommunication?
The failure to communicate ideas or intentions between people from different cultural backgrounds.
Give 2 opposite examples of how values shape the way people behave in social/work situations?
Suggested answer:
Hierarchy --> values respect for authority (Eg. wait for senior members to speak first)
Equality --> values open communication (eg. address superiors by first name, contribute ideas freely)
If cross-cultural misunderstanding causes hurt feelings, which one matters more — intention or impact?
Suggested answer: Impact often carries more weight because meaning depends on how messages are received, not just how they are sent. Good intention does not erase the harm felt. However, acknowledging impact builds understanding and repair.
What is the difference between cross-cultural communication and intercultural communication?
Cross-cultural communication is a comparison of communication styles between two cultures. Intercultural communication is the interaction between 2 or more people from different cultures.
Why can direct communication be interpreted as rude in some cultures but honest in others?
"rude" --> they value harmony in relationships, face-saving, avoiding conflict, respect personal boundaries
"honest" --> efficient, transparent, trustworthy, normal curiosity, healthy debate
Which Thomas–Kilmann conflict style might create the most cultural miscommunication, and why?
The Competing style is high in assertiveness and low in cooperativeness, where one person pushes strongly for their own goals or opinions, often prioritising results over relationships. One culture may view it as assertiveness and leadership while another might view it as rudeness or being insensitve and dismissive.
What is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation?
Cultural appropriation is the use of elements from a different culture, often without permission, understanding, or respect for the culture of origin. Cultural appreciation is showing respect, understanding and awareness of another culture, often has permission and engagement with its people.
Explain one benefit and one drawback of globalisation in communication.
Suggested benefit: Allows faster, easier exchange of ideas between people across borders.
Suggested drawback: Can lead to loss of cultural identity (eg. growing dominance of Western communication style)
Is it possible to be respectful without adapting to another person’s cultural norms? Why or why not?
Yes. Respect often starts with intent, awareness, and empathy, not imitation. A person can still show politeness even if they don’t follow every cultural custom. (eg. A visitor who doesn’t bow in Japan but greets with a smile and gentle tone still shows genuine respect.)
However, adaptation often deepens respect. When someone makes an effort to adapt or learn another culture’s norms, it shows humility and sensitivity.