Discussion Post: Respond to peer in 200+ words. What are three key learnings for

Discussion Post: Respond to peer in 200+ words.
What are three key learnings for you from the Miike article?
I learned a few interesting things when I read Harmony Without Uniformity. In regards to harmony, every culture has a different version and definition of it, making it difficult to be universally defined. Multiculturalism without hierarchy is how cultures relate to each other and culture in hierarchy is a type of cultural coexistence. In this coexistence we see how one culture views itself above other cultures and will others through the single cultural standpoint. Cultures alongside differs from hierarchy in that it views all cultures as equal that learn different outlooks from different cultures and can view any culture through their respective lenses. There is a three layer model structure of culture; the material layer, the behavioural layer, and the mental layer. The material layer is the most visible. The behavioural layer is semi overt and is based on verbal and non verbal behaviors, as well as gestures of a culture. The mental layer is the most hidden layer as it is the values, beliefs, and attitudes of a culture. This is the core of culture and controls the other two layers. The layers must be understood before using the three steps to cross-cultural dialogue.
What are three key learnings for you from the Meyer article?
The eight scales on the cultural map; communicating, evaluating, persuading, leading, deciding, trusting, disagreeing, and scheduling. Communicating the degree to which a culture is high- or low-context. High context contains sophisticated and nuanced messages, low context is precise, simple, and clear. Evaluating is how criticism is given in a culture. Persuading is how others are persuaded in a culture and which arguments are used with a culture’s philosophical, religious, and educational assumptions. Leading is largely influenced by power distance and is the degree of respect and amount of deference shown to authority in a culture. Deciding is the degree to which a culture is consensus aware. Trusting can be established when there is collaboration and respect. Disagreeing is the tolerance for open disagreements that can be viewed as either helpful or harmful. Scheduling is the value placed on operating in a structured scheduled. The success will depend upon the ability to navigate the way people from different societies will think and act. By avoiding stereotypes and understanding behaviors of other cultures, efficiency and diversity can be increased.
What is your understanding of the connection between national culture and communication style?
Asia centric views typically avoid direct criticism or disagreements and prefer indirect and polite language in their messages. Many of the proponents of Asian cultures are misunderstood by Western cultures. Eurocentric perspectives in intercultural studies is different and can have more problems arise. The mental layer of European cultures when used to analyze other cultures has a disconnected view. The ego can make it difficult to follow other cultural communication styles without viewing ones own as inferior.