SHARMA's BLOG: Unconscious forms of non-verbal communication

SHARMA's BLOG: Unconscious forms of non-verbal communication: Unconscious forms of non-verbal communication There are several of them and involve:  Facial Expressions  Eyes  Head  Shoulders ...

Unconscious forms of non-verbal communication

Unconscious forms of non-verbal communication

There are several of them and involve:
 Facial Expressions
 Eyes
 Head
 Shoulders
 Hands and fingers
 Body posture

Gestures, expression etc provide cues and clues that supplement ones‟ oral communication. They are vital and yet they should not be learned as they look artificial. They are not consciously worn as they are intuitive, outward expressions of inward feelings or thoughts. Gestures should be read in clusters and in the context, they are made. The single gesture is like a single word that can have many meanings.
Following gestures are best avoided:
 A pointing finger
 A clenched, raised fist
 A finger raised and put vertically on the lips
 A frown on the face

SHARMA's BLOG: IMPACT OF CULTURE ON NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS

SHARMA's BLOG: IMPACT OF CULTURE ON NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS: IMPACT OF CULTURE ON NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS Culture influences non-verbal communications as much of the gestures, expressions etc resu...

IMPACT OF CULTURE ON NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS

IMPACT OF CULTURE ON NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS

Culture influences non-verbal communications as much of the gestures, expressions etc result from „clan culture‟. Besides, experts in communication are now convinced that non-verbal communications play a very critical role in every day living:

 They form an integral part of oral, face-to-face communications
 They form the backbone of written communication in terms of layout and other visual aspects of written communication

In modern business communications, non-verbal communications can be at the conscious and unconscious levels. Managers must be conversant with both to be able to use them effectively in cross-cultural interactions.

(1) Conscious forms of non-verbal communications
There are several aspects of conscious non-verbal communication that help to create the „first impression‟ on the people. Although these aspects are largely influenced by the climate and other specific conditions, local culture has a profound impact on:

(i) Dress
Most people form opinions about others in the first seven seconds of their meeting. A good sense of dressing contributes greatly to making the right first impression. Dressing appropriately is an art that needs to be acquired although changes in dress codes are happening in many countries rather fast because as the world globalizes, dress sense is also becoming global.
The dress should also include footwear, accessories and even cosmetics/perfumes used.
(a) Business Attire for men
A professional dress may include a suit, trousers, sportscoat, shirt with collar, necktie, etc. Many companies are allowing staff to wear the casual dress at work once a week. This may include sports shirts, polo shirts, trousers, sweaters that can be stylish as well as comfortable.

(b) Business Attire for women
Attires for businesswomen include dresses, suits, skirts no shorter than three inches above the knees, pants with blouses, etc. Inappropriate dresses are too tight or too loose blouses, sleeveless, denim, shorts, backless/strapless dresses, sweatshirts, hats, etc.
Jewelry, accessories etc should be minimal. It is better to stick to ear studs; makeup, to suit but should appear natural.

(ii) Grooming
Besides dressing properly, one should not forget to wear his smile. Remember that one is not dressed for the day until he has worn his smile. Attitude at work should be positive, cooperative and willing to accept responsibilities.

(iii) Business cards
A business card is the ones‟ calling card. It represents the person when he is not there; it speaks of the person and his business. Ensure that the business card is attractive, appealing and easy to read. It should convey the message that the person wants people to remember.

(iv) Handshake
A handshake is a common form of greetings when one meets someone. Ones‟ style of handshake tells a lot about him. The correct form of the handshake is „to keep thumbs up and toughing webs before wrapping the fingers around the other persons‟ hand. While introducing oneself, the person is expected to offer his hand irrespective of the man or woman except in certain cultures that prohibit women from shaking hands with men.
Other forms of greeting like embracing or kissing on the cheeks should be avoided in business gatherings.

SHARMA's BLOG: Implications of Proxemics

SHARMA's BLOG: Implications of Proxemics: Implications of Proxemics Knowledge of Proxemics is being used to secure the following advantages in business: 1 Every culture has a wel...

Implications of Proxemics

Implications of Proxemics

Knowledge of Proxemics is being used to secure the following advantages in business:
1 Every culture has a well-defined personal space; violation of spatial zones can create wrong impressions, leading to loss of business.
2 In multi-cultural groups, individuals should observe the spatial zones of different groups and interact with them accordingly.
3 Even in small groups, one must find out the boundary limits of spatial zones so as to preclude „bubble-bursts‟ arising from irritation and discomfort.
4 According to Gary Kreps, people have strong territorial emotions about their possessions or objects of which they claim ownership viz., clothes, books, homes and automobiles. Since they protect these territories vigorously, people should ensure that they do not step on someone‟s toes.
5 People from high-context cultural countries including India prefer greater distances that low-context culture nations who have a carefree and casual approach to it.
6 The concept of proxemics is also reflected in the way meetings are arranged – a round table encourages participation among members.
7 In organizations, people are very sensitive about their seating places, furniture, and equipment.
8 Small offices with low ceilings and no windows can generate a feeling of being boxed up, sullen and depressed.
9 Open offices are becoming more popular now as they facilitate greater communication, instant feedback, and improved inter-personal relationships.

SHARMA's BLOG: Organizational Proxemics

SHARMA's BLOG: Organizational Proxemics: Organizational Proxemics The subject of proxemics is expanding to cover the contents in the spatial zones as they have major influence o...

Organizational Proxemics

Organizational Proxemics

The subject of proxemics is expanding to cover the contents in the spatial zones as they have major influence on dealing and interacting with people - this area of specialization is referred to as „Organizational Proxemics‟ and covers the followings:
 Landscaping
 Colour schemes and other physical settings
 Ergonomics
 Signs, signals, paintings, sculptors and other artifacts
 Furnishings and interior decoration etc

SHARMA's BLOG: PROXIMICS - Spatial Zones

SHARMA's BLOG: PROXIMICS - Spatial Zones: PROXIMICS - Spatial Zones Edward Hall has identified the following four zones that are in the form of concentric circles around the huma...

PROXIMICS - Spatial Zones

PROXIMICS - Spatial Zones

Edward Hall has identified the following four zones that are in the form of concentric circles around the human body. Since the distances vary among cultures, the density of population and status, each zone has been indicated with a range of distances:
(i) Intimate zone
This zone extends up to 0.5 meters from the body and is considered to have the most important influence on the behavior of individuals. This is a zone that an individual guards as if it is his own property. Only those very close to the individual are permitted to enter this zone viz., spouse, parents, lovers, close friends and relatives. With these persons, not many words are used in communication – whispers take the place of spoken words. Eye contacts, handshake, and pat at the back are noticed often. Nature of communication is more intimate.
It has a sub-zone extending to first 0.15 meter from the body. This is a close intimate zone that can be entered only during physical contact.
(ii) Personal zone
This covers the space from 0.5 to 1.2 meters from the body. This is the distance observed during friendly gatherings, social functions, office parties, etc. People speak in monotones or use low pitch voice with close friends, colleagues, associates, and visitors. Communication is more personal and is carried out in a relaxed and casual way. Much of the responses are spontaneous, leading to important decisions which are the hallmark of this space.
(iii) Social zone
This space extends from 1.2 to 3.5 meters. This space is ideal for formal parties and relationships are mostly official. Most of the business is carried out in this space - a lot of reason and logic comes into play and much of the future planning is done. A man is a social being and this space becomes critical for a person on the move in the hierarchy of business and thus forms the most critical zone.
(iv) Public zone
This zone covers the space beyond 3.5 meters from the body and covers the distance at which people can hear and see. The distance between the person and the group he is addressing or making presentation to would be over 3.5 meters. This zone requires the use of more formal language; communication is more detached and impersonal in perception. One has to raise the voice to be heard clearly.

SHARMA's BLOG: PROXIMICS OR LANGUAGE OF PERSONAL SPACE

SHARMA's BLOG: PROXIMICS OR LANGUAGE OF PERSONAL SPACE: PROXIMICS OR LANGUAGE OF PERSONAL SPACE Animals, birds, and fish guard their territories rather aggressively and so do the nations. Withi...

PROXIMICS OR LANGUAGE OF PERSONAL SPACE

PROXIMICS OR LANGUAGE OF PERSONAL SPACE

Animals, birds, and fish guard their territories rather aggressively and so do the nations. Within a nation, there are well-defined boundaries among different smaller communities. People living within these territories have an allegiance to it and protect these territories even ferociously

American anthropologist, Edward T Hall, concluded that every human being has a territory that it considers to be it's own. The area or the space delineated around the body is claimed to be his own like the air space around him. Edward T Hall called it „Proxemics‟ – the study of the spatial needs of human beings.

Personal space around each one of us has a critical implication for communication and interaction with others and consequently on our behavior and relations with them. Like all other living beings, humans carry a kind of air envelope around them all the time. However, the size of the air-envelop can vary among different cultures. It can also vary between a villager and a city dweller. Besides, the status of a person also influences the distance at which a person stands with respect to that person.

SHARMA's BLOG: UNDERSTANDING CULTURE

SHARMA's BLOG: UNDERSTANDING CULTURE: UNDERSTANDING CULTURE Understanding culture is like peeling an onion. It has several layers that can be peeled off to develop a keen ins...

UNDERSTANDING CULTURE

UNDERSTANDING CULTURE

Understanding culture is like peeling an onion. It has several layers that can be peeled off to develop a keen insight into the culture. Broadly, we think in terms of the following three layers:

(i) Outer layer
It is what other people associate with that culture, its visual realities:
1. Behavior
2. Dress
3. Food
4. Language
5. Habitats
It is also referred to as the „Explicit Culture‟.

(ii) Middle Layer
It refers to the values and norms the community holds – these may be right or wrong, good or bad.

(iii) Inner Layer
It is the deepest level and understanding - it leads to the core of it. It is the key to working successfully with other cultures. The core consists of:
1. Basic assumptions
2. Rules
3. Methods of solving or coping with problems
These rules and methods become so embedded in the members who take to it much like breathing, without even stopping to think about them. It is very difficult for outsiders to recognize these. It is also known as the „Implicit Culture‟.