Hofstede
Communication
Barriers
Iceberg
Solutions
100

People in this culture are expected to prioritize their own goals and the ties between people are loose, with a focus on personal autonomy and self-reliance.

Individualism

100

In many Asian countries, much communication is conveyed through nonverbals and context. 

Hall's high-context communication

100

Overgeneralized assumptions about cultural groups.

Stereotypes

100

Visible, tangible aspects of culture (e.g., clothing, food, architecture).

Material culture

100

Evaluating cultures within their own context, not external standards.

Cultural relativism

200

Cultures that have a strong preference for clear rules, structured situations, and a low tolerance for ambiguity or unconventional ideas.

High uncertainity avoidance 

200

A German executive, used to direct and explicit communication, is trying to understand the progress of a project.

Hall's low culture context

200

Treating a group as fundamentally different, reinforcing exclusion.

Othering

200

Hidden, intangible aspects (e.g., values, beliefs, traditions).

Non-material culture

200

A structured framework for guided reflection. Description → Feelings → Evaluation → Analysis → Conclusion → Action plan for reflection.

Gibb's Reflective Cycle

300

Hierarchy is minimized and individuals expect to participate equally in decision-making, viewing authority as more consultative than commanding.

low power distance 

300

An American, who is used to a large personal space, is traveling in India where personal space is typically smaller, and felt uncomfortable. Which theory describes this?

Proxemics 

300

Judging other cultures by one’s own standards as superior.

Ethnocentrism

300

A person's perception of oneself in a cultural context.

Cultural identity

300

In Deardorff's model, what describes the internal shift in an individual's mindset and adaptability

The Internal Outcome stage

400

Cultures that allow relatively free gratification of basic and natural human desires related to enjoying life and having fun.

High indulgence (vs. constraint)

400

A consultant from Germany is used to having schedules and deadlines strictly followed. Which theory describes perception about time?

Chronemics

400

Stress from navigating unfamiliar cultures. Stages: Honeymoon → Frustration → Adjustment → Adaptation

Culture shock

400

What people consider as important and serves as guiding principals.

Values

400

Identifies with a worldwide community, valuing diversity and global responsibility.

Global citizenship
500

In Switzerland, where simplicity and modesty are favoured, how would you describe the societal inclination towards achievement and success?

Low on Masculinity - High on Femininity 

500

In this process, there is a "sender" and a "receiver". The sender sends a "coded" message, and the receiver is responsible of "decoding" the message.

Communication Process

500

What are the different stages of culture shock?

Honeymoon → Frustration → Adjustment → Adaptation

500

Behavioral expectations shared within a culture.

Norms

500

What are the five elements of Deardorff's Intercultural Competence model?

Attitudes → Knowledge→ Skills→Internal outcome→External outcome