Leadership in Action: Sending Signals: Nonverbal Communication Can Speak Volumes

CULTURAL VARIANCES

Much of the information in this article describes the U.S. or Western perspective on nonverbal communication. Leaders need to be aware that nonverbal signals and behaviors differ across cultures. Though the six emotions of happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust are recognizable across cultures, some nonverbal habits and expressions may mean different things in different cultures. For instance, people in Western cultures tend to rely a lot on nonverbal communication. People in Asian cultures, however, tend not to use nonverbal signals and behaviors as much, because they believe it makes them appear inaccessible. Moreover, a smile may indicate happiness in Western cultures but in Asian cultures may indicate discomfort ...