Miscommunication due to different cultural norms creates significant barriers in our globalised world, leading to misunderstandings in both personal and professional relationships through varying communication styles, gestures, and social expectations.
Miscommunication, in the simplest terms, means you understood someone’s intentions differently, and you acted upon that based on the facts, what you thought was right. Miscommunication can be detrimental if not identified and remedied immediately.
When you are working in a remote setup, reasons such as a lack of non-verbal cues and a lack of clear remote policies or strategies can lead to miscommunication. In addition to that, when you are working with people from different backgrounds or cultures, if you aren’t paying attention or are unaware of their cultural norms, you could experience unwanted consequences.
Communication sometimes is not what you first hear, listen not just to the words, but listen for the reason.
Catherine Pulsifer: Author for self-improvement books
In my working experience, I have come across people who say yes to most things. However, that does not mean they agreed with what you said. They said yes because they respected you and valued your decision. However, if you pay close attention to them, you can see that they were either uncomfortable or in denial, which is often reflected through their body language, such as facial expressions. Now, let’s take a look at some cultural differences and norms.
Different Communication Styles
- Direct vs. indirect communication: Some cultures value directness, while others prefer indirect communication to maintain harmony1.
- High-context vs. Low-context: High-context cultures rely on implicit messages, while low-context cultures expect clear, explicit communication2.
Perceptions of Politeness and Respect
- A casual tone might be seen as friendly in some cultures but disrespectful in others.
- Silence may indicate thoughtfulness in some cultures but may be seen as awkward in others.
Use of Yes and No
- In some cultures, “yes” may mean acknowledgement rather than agreement.
- Saying “no” directly can be considered rude in cultures that avoid confrontation.
Differences in Humour
- Jokes and sarcasm don’t always translate well across cultures and may even offend others.
Hierarchy and Decision-Making
- Some cultures have hierarchical structures, where decisions come from the top, while others value collaborative decision-making.
Work-Life Boundaries
- Some cultures strictly separate work and personal life, while others are more flexible.
Non-Verbal Communication
- Gestures, facial expressions, and personal space differ widely. For example, maintaining eye contact is respectful in some countries but can be seen as aggressive in some cultures.
- The “thumbs up,” “pointing” (or “OK”) sign, and “OK” sign can be offensive in different cultures and are not universally understood as positive gestures.
Different Approaches to Feedback
- Constructive criticism is expected in some cultures but might be perceived as rude in others.
Punctuality Expectations
- Monochronic cultures focus on one task at a time, value schedules, and prioritise job over relationships, while polychronic cultures handle multiple tasks simultaneously, are more flexible with time commitments, and prioritise long-term relationships over strict schedules.
Religious and Cultural Sensitivities
- Awareness of religious holidays, dietary restrictions, and social customs can prevent unintended offences.
The above list gives you a good starting point to be aware of some of the differences that you might experience when dealing with people from different cultures. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to differences. From the organisation’s/leader’s point of view, all you have to do is acknowledge these differences and encourage a collaborative environment.
The more you know about your team members, the more you understand these nuances. You can learn about your team members by being polite and asking questions about cultural norms. Most of the time, people welcome those questions and are happy to give you an insight into their cultural norms.
In a Nutshell
Miscommunication due to different cultural norms can be a major challenge in remote teams. With diverse backgrounds and unique cultural norms, misunderstandings are inevitable. However, by taking the time to understand your team members and their perspectives, you can bridge communication gaps, build trust, and foster stronger collaboration despite cultural differences. We hope you enjoyed this post. Drop a comment below to get involved.
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