problem 1:

Non-verbal behaviour is prone to being wrongly interpreted in intercultural encounters (Guirdham, 1999). Therefore, using a level of assertiveness which is suitable in one culture will probably be seen as an aggression or a lack of assertion in another.

(a) According to Guirdham (1999), assertiveness might be misinterpreted in intercultural encounters.  Using exs, discuss any five non-verbal communication differentiations that may result in misinterpretation.

(b) If the Manager of a multinational had to challenge Guirdham (1999), he would come up with some advice during induction with his multi-cultural employees to avoid inter-cultural misinterpretations. Using instances discuss and describe five ways to prevent inter-cultural misinterpretations.

problem 2:

Both encoding and decoding of messages lay traps for the unwary intercultural communicators (Hall, 1959 – The Silent Language). Using suitable instances discuss and describe this statement by contrasting any high-context culture and low-context culture of your choice.

problem 3:

(a) Illustrate the term ‘effective communication’ in an inter-cultural context;

(b) Identify and elaborate on any four merits of effective communication. Support with instances.