Exploring Cultures: The Lewis cross-cultural communication model

In the blog last week, we focused on the Hofstede argument that attempts to differentiate societies based of distinctive value dimensions. This week, we will explore the model developed by Lewis on the critical practical issue of understanding contrasting cross-cultural communication styles.

Introduction to the Lewis model

Lewis, an expert on both culture and languages, based his model on extensive cross-cultural research focusing specifically on factors such as behavioural expectations and time orientation. In essence, his approach is an attempt to simplify the process of intercultural communication that resulted in the categorisation of three main types of communication style labelled as linear-active, multi-active, and reactive.

Overview of the Lewis categories

Linear-Active	Multi-Active	Reactive
Talk half the time	Talk most of the time	Listen most of the time
Do one thing at a time	Do several things at a time	Reach to actions
Plan each step	Plan general outline	Look at principles
Polite but direct	Emotional	Polite and indirect
Partly conceal feelings	Display feelings	Conceal feelings
Confront with logic	Confront with emotions	Avoid confrontation
Rarely interrupt	Often interrupt	Do not interrupt
Job-orientated	People-orientated	Very people-orientated
Limited body language	Unlimited body language	Subtle body language
Truth before dishonesty	Flexible truth	Dishonesty over truth
Sometimes impatient	Impatient	Patient

On this basis, Lewis created a comprehensive model in which he placed all the major nationalities on a single scale called the Culture Triangle.

Consequential communication challenges

Perhaps most controversial argument is that, while communication between linear-active and reactive participants normally be experienced as relatively comfortable, both could struggle during the multi-active interactions. The reason proposed for this is that multi-active participants enter negotiation with only the vaguest outline of an objective, tend to over talk other members consistently, while further disrupting procedure of occasional emotional outburst.

In conclusion, while the Lewis communication developmental approach is justifiably regarded a most simple and practical model of cross-cultural communication, this also highlights the primary potential weakness. Put simply, this approach is open to rather simplistic stereotyping that could prejudice expectations even prior to intercultural encounters.

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Question 1

Could open expressions of emotion really disrupt cross-cultural communication?

Question 2

How might a focus on behavioural role expectations limit cross-cultural understanding?

Question 3

Why is it important to understand the deeper levels of unfamiliar cultures?

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We shall explore Question 3 in the next blog.

Reference

Lewis, R. D. (2005). When cultures collide: leading across cultures (3rd ed.). Nicholas Brealey International