The Importance of Richard Lewis’ Cross Cultural Communication Model
Cross-cultural communication is increasingly essential in the globalized world we live in. As businesses and organizations continue to expand across borders, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of communication across various cultures. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of Richard Lewis’ cross-cultural communication model.
Introduction
Richard Lewis, a renowned expert in cross-cultural communication, introduced his model in the 1990s. The model explores the differences in communication styles across various cultures and identifies ways to bridge those gaps. By using this model, individuals and businesses can better understand how to communicate effectively across cultures.
The Body
The Three Communication Styles
Lewis’ model identifies three communication styles: linear-active, multi-active, and reactive. Each of these styles is prevalent in specific cultures. Understanding these styles and where they come from is key to effective communication.
Linear-active communication style is a common style in northern Europe, North America, and Australia. These cultures tend to value efficiency, punctuality, and directness in communication. They prefer to address problems head-on and value quick responses.
On the other hand, multi-active communication style is common in Latin America, the Middle East, and southern Europe. These cultures value relationships and interactions over time. They tend to communicate with feeling and emotion and are more likely to go off-topic in conversations.
Finally, reactive communication style is common in many Asian cultures, including Japan and China. These cultures tend to value listening before speaking, analyzing the situation, and avoiding confrontation. They tend to communicate indirectly, preferring to imply rather than express things directly.
Bridging the gap between communication styles
To communicate effectively across cultures, individuals must understand the cultural context and adapt their communication style accordingly. Richard Lewis’ model provides a framework for bridging the gap between communication styles.
For example, if a linear-active communicator were to communicate with a multi-active communicator, the linear-active communicator would benefit from understanding the value placed on relationship building by the multi-active communicator. In turn, the multi-active communicator would benefit from understanding the importance of concise communication to the linear-active communicator.
Examples and Case Studies
Richard Lewis’ model has been used by many organizations to improve communication across cultures. One example is the multinational corporation, Siemens. The company used the model to train its employees in cross-cultural communication. As a result, they were better equipped to communicate with colleagues and clients in different countries, which led to an increase in their global market share.
Another example is the United States military. They have used the model to better understand the culture and communication styles of the Afghan army and government officials in Afghanistan. It improved their ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with their Afghan counterparts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Richard Lewis’ cross-cultural communication model is a powerful tool that can help individuals and businesses communicate effectively across cultures. By understanding the differences in communication styles and adapting our communication style accordingly, we can bridge the gap in cross-cultural communication. With globalization, being able to adapt to different cultures is increasingly important, and the Richard Lewis model is an ideal guide to do so.
