What defines a low-context culture?

A low-context culture is characterized by a communication style that emphasizes explicit, verbal communication. In such cultures, messages are conveyed clearly and directly through spoken or written words, leaving little room for interpretation or reliance on the surrounding context. This means that individuals in low-context cultures expect that the information will be expressed plainly, and misunderstandings are less likely because the communication is straightforward.

In these cultures, clarity and precision in discourse are valued, thus fostering an environment where everyone can understand the message without needing to read between the lines or rely heavily on non-verbal cues. This is particularly evident in business communications, where detailed explanations and direct discussions are favored to ensure that everyone is on the same page. The focus is on the content of the message itself, rather than the relational dynamics or subtleties that might be present in communication styles of higher-context cultures.