12.4.3 A word of warning
While non-verbal behaviour is useful at work and elsewhere, do be careful to avoid simplistic conclusions. For example, an individual may have a physical disability that produces a non-verbal behaviour unrelated to what he or she is attempting to communicate. In addition, people react differently with different people. An office junior might be nervous around senior management and behave quite differently from the way in which he or she would behave when interacting with their peers. So, look for a "cluster" of body language to see the real picture.
In different cultures and countries, identical gestures can be interpreted quite differently - which is particularly important given the multinational nature of the maritime industry. There are also different norms relating to proxemics and touching behaviour, etc. Behaviour can be interpreted differently depending on where it occurs in the world. Consider these examples that could cause problems for the uninformed.
International body language
- Standing with your hands on your hips is a gesture of defiance in Indonesia and parts of the South Pacific.
- Carrying on a conversation with your hands in your pockets makes a poor impression in France , Belgium , Finland and Sweden .
- When you shake your head from side to side, that means "yes" in Bulgaria and Sri Lanka .
- Crossing your legs to expose the sole of your shoe is really taboo in Muslim countries. In fact, to call a person a "shoe" is a deep insult.
A case in point
At a Korean/New Zealand Business Council seminar for New Zealand companies who are looking to develop trade ties with Korea , a presentation on cultural difference was included. The attendants were told that bowing is an important form of non-verbal communication in Korea , which communicates considerably more information than verbal expressions. The following guidelines were given to people who attended the seminar:
"Korean expressions of good will (greeting):
An important part of Korean greetings is the formal bow or the more casual nod. The age and status of the person being greeted are major factors that determine how deeply you bow. If the person you greet is your senior in age or status, you are expected to bow more deeply or nod more emphatically than he does. But don't over do it. Nowadays, a bow does not exceed 30 degrees, and you don't have to repeat it more than once. This differs from the Japanese way.
A nod may or may not be accompanied by words of greeting. Koreans are not very talkative when greeting acquaintances. As a rule, strangers do not greet each other on their own in Korea . A Westerner, who often greets a stranger on the street in their country, may not do the same in Korea . However, if you greet a stranger and they look perplexed, it simply means that they are not used to being greeted by someone they do not know."
Bartol, Martin, Tein and Matthews 1995.
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