EDWARD T HALL

INTRODUCTION
Born: May 16, 1914
Webster Groves, Missouri United States Died: July 20, 2009 (aged 95) Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States Citizenship : United States Nationality: American Fields : Anthropology (study of humankind) Known for: High context culture, Low context culture, Proxemics, monochronic and polychronic time

 Edward T. Hall was an anthropologist who made early discoveries of key cultural factors. In particular he is known for his high and low context cultural factors.

Context
High and low context refers to the amount of information that a person can comfortably manage. This can vary from a high context culture where background information is implicit to low context culture where much of the background information must be made explicit in an interaction.

High context
In a high-context culture, there are many contextual elements that help people to understand the rules. As a result, much is taken for granted. This can be very confusing for person who does not understand the 'unwritten rules' of the culture. People from a high context cultures often send more information implicitly, have a wider "network," and thus tend to stay well informed on many subjects.

Low context
In a low-context culture, very little is taken for granted. Whilst this means that more explanation is needed, it also means there is less chance of misunderstanding particularly when visitors are present. People from low context cultures usually verbalize much more background information, and tend not to be well informed on subjects outside of their own interests..

Monochronic Do one thing at a time Concentrate on the job Take time commitments seriously Are low context and need information Are committed to the job

Polychronic Do many things at once Can be easily distracted and manage interruptions well Consider an objective to be achieved, if possible Are high context and already have information Are committed to people and human relationships

Adhere religiously to plans

Are concerned about not disturbing others; follow rules of privacy and consideration

Change plans often and easily

Are more concerned with those who are closely related than privacy Borrow and lend things often and easily Base promptness on the relationship

Show great respect for private property; seldom borrow or lend

Emphasize promptness

Are accustomed to short term relationships

Have strong tendency to build lifetime relationships

Factor
Locus of control and attribution for failure

High-context culture
Inner locus of control and personal acceptance for failure Much nonverbal communication

Low-context culture
Outer locus of control and blame of others for failure

Use of non-verbal communication Reserved, inward reactions Strong diistinction between ingroup and outgroup. Strong sense of family. Strong people bonds with affiliation to family and community High commitment to long-term relationships. Relationship more important than task. Time is open and flexible. Process is more important than product

More focus on verbal communication than body language Visible, external, outward reaction Flexible and open grouping patterns, changing as needed

Expression of reaction

Cohesion and separation of groups

People bonds

Fragile bonds between people with little sense of loyalty. Low commitment to relationship. Task more important than relationships.

Level of commitment to relationships

Flexibility of time

Time is highly organized. Product is more important than process