Question

Jane was sent by her Chicago-based company to a business convention in Tokyo, Japan.  While at lunch, she and several other Americans in attendance sat together at lunch.  As they laughed and enjoyed themselves, Jane noticed that many people glanced at them uncomfortably and whispered to each other.  When Jane asked the young waitress what was wrong, the girl avoided eye contact with her, shook her head without saying a word, and quickly walked back to the kitchen.  Which of the following is most likely the cause of confusion in this scenario? a. The rules governing nonverbal communication in Japan are very different than those in the U.S. b. Nonverbal communication is ambiguous, and there are several people in this scenario who are all interpreting messages that seem foreign to them. c. The multiple channels involved and the many ways in which verbal and nonverbal communication integrate make this situation complicated. d. All of the above are likely causes of confusion in this scenario.

Answer 1

Answer: d. All of the above are likely causes of confusion in this scenario.

In this situation, it is likely that all of the above were causes for confusion. Nonverbal communication can be very different in different cultures. For example, the reason why the Japanese people looked at the Americans could be related to body language, gender roles, appearance, etc. In terms of verbal communication, the Japanese might be surprised at their language, the topics they discuss, their noise levels, etc. Because communication is so linked to culture, it is good to try to get acquainted with the culture before visiting the country.

Answer 2

The correct answer is D. All of the above are likely causes of confusion in this scenario.

Japanese and American cultures are very different in terms of behavioral conduct and what is accepted in one culture might very well not be in another. Verbal and nonverbal communication differs significantly between these two cultures and without having a prior knowledge of either unintentional upset or confusion can take place.