However, gender expectations of different nations can impede free and open discussion in intercultural communications, if a particular culture has yet to accept that it is appropriate for women to confidently assume positions of authority.
Although cross-cultural communication presents a challenge, globalization has made understanding the difference between high-context and low-context cultures even more vital than ever before. Implied meanings in different cultures have different levels of signification, based upon relationships. "In relationship-oriented countries like Mexico, India and China, people tend to prioritize projects based on the hierarchy of the person who owns it" in contrast to the United States, where the project itself is viewed more important than the person in charge (Frase 2007).
Much like male-female communication tropes, social expectations rather than actual message or even delivery can affect the message conveyed and impede communication. An analysis of diverse work teams at international firms by Brett et al. (2006) revealed that the four problem categories can create barriers to a team's success including "1. direct vs. indirect communication, 2. trouble with accents and fluency, 3. differing attitudes toward hierarchy and authority, and 4. conflicting norms for decision making." Just as a lack of directness can be perceived as weakness in a woman (while similar behavior in a male may go unnoticed) in U.S. firms, indirect communication by males or females can be seen as weak, depending on the culture of the hearer -- likewise directness may seem brusque to individuals from a high-context culture. Some cultures...
The research suggests, although there may be no single, inherently male or female communication style, or American or Chinese way of speaking, expectations of how it is 'correct' for an individual to behave can impact the speaker's reception.
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Frase, Martha. (2007, June). Show all employees a wider world. HR Magazine, 52(6), 98-102.
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