Exam (elaborations)
COM2603 ASSIGNMENT 1 2023
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
COM2603 ASSIGNMENT 1 2023
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SECTION 1 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATIONQUESTION 1
1.1
1.1.1
Culture can also be defined as a group's shared qualities and behaviours. Interactions with other
persons or groups, for example, share culture of perception or beliefs. Members of a cultural group
are likely to have similar ideas, speak the same language, and have similar values. People who reside
in in KwaZulu Natal, for example, will share their respect for their late king Isilo goodwill Zwelithini
ka BhekuZulu is an example of the Zulu cultural customs as a result even if they would not agree
with his son iSilo Misuzulu ka Zwelithini Zulu being the heir apparent to the throne they accept him
because of the shared beliefs in their cultural customs
1.1.2
Culture is dynamic when it is not rigid and when individuals of a cultural group disagree. Because
individuals of cultural groupings think and behave differently, culture is continually changing.
Individuals who see culture as always changing are better able to comprehend its complexity and
become more sensitive to how people in different cultures live and behave. Culture can be both
dynamic and heterogeneous; for example, members of a family may have similar cultural beliefs in a
religion or share the same cultural customs such as brewing traditional beer whenever there is an
appease to the ancestors in the family but differ in their political connections.
1.1.3 Discuss acceptance, the second stage in majority identity development, and explain how this
stage may influence intercultural communication at the University of Diversity
We must avoid the temptation to think of our identities as constant.
Instead, our identities are formed through processes that started
before we were born and will continue after we are gone; therefore
our identities aren’t something we achieve or complete. Two related
but distinct components of our identities are our personal and social
identities (Spreckels, J. & Kotthoff, H., 2009). Personal
identities include the components of self that are primarily
intrapersonal and connected to our life experiences. For example, I
consider myself a puzzle lover, and you may identify as a fan of hip-
hop music. Our social identities are the components of self that
are derived from involvement in social groups with which we are
interpersonally committed.
, QUESTION 2
2.1.1 Collectivist/individualist value orientation
Collectivist societies emphasise the needs, wants and goals of a group over the needs and desires of
everyone. These societies are less self-centred and have social values that revolve around what is
best for a community and society. Helping others and asking for help from others is not only
encouraged but viewed as essential. Having strong families and friendship groups is important in
these societies and people may sacrifice their happiness or time for the benefit of someone else or
for the greater good of a group. Countries such as Portugal, Mexico and Turkey are examples of
collectivist societies.
2.1.2 High-context vs. low-context communication
Low-context communication is explicit, with little left to inference. The addressee is likely to
understand all of the information even if they are unfamiliar with the cultural context. In high-
context communication, on the other hand, a great deal of information is implied rather than
explicit. An understanding of the cultural context is deeply necessary to understand the message.
The warning I received from Jacinto is a perfect example: it made sense only in the context of both
my earlier gaffe and the community’s religious beliefs.
2.2
power distance refers to the way members of a culture deal with inequalities. Power distance is
learnt early in families according to Hofstede (1987). Cultural groups which stress high power
distance accept power as a necessity and is usually reflected in coercing individuals to respect
authority. Relationships between managers and subordinates, and decision-making processes, are
usually more formalized. In most cases, for example in South Africa managers are expected to
provide answers and give orders. They believe in a high hierarchy system. Low power distance
cultures prefer expert or legitimate power. They believe power should be used in exceptional
circumstances. They believe that less hierarchy is better.
SECTION 2 DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
QUESTION 1
1.1 Provide a definition of ‘diffusion of innovations’.
The diffusion of innovations theory describes the pattern and speed
at which new ideas, practices, or products spread through a
population. The main players in the theory are innovators, early
adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards.
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