Communication style in the workplace refers to the way individuals express their thoughts, ideas, and information within a professional setting. When comparing Indian and Canadian workplace cultures, there are notable differences in communication styles. In Indian workplaces, communication tends to be more indirect, and there is more emphasis on seniority. Whereas Canadian workplaces generally adopt a more direct communication style. Understanding and adapting to these cultural nuances is essential for effective cross-cultural collaboration in the global workplace. This article will compare Canadian and Indian workplace communication styles and provide examples.

Communication Styles Differences

Non-Verbal Cues, Gestures and Body Language

Indians may rely on non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language to convey meaning and establish rapport. These non-verbal cues can help understand the underlying message beyond the exact words.

• Namaste: The traditional Indian greeting, namaste, involves joining the palms in front of the chest and slightly bowing the head. 

• Nodding: Nodding the head from side to side can have different meanings in Indian culture compared to Western cultures. In India, a side-to-side head nod is often used to indicate agreement, understanding, or acknowledgement. It may not necessarily mean disagreement or confusion as it might in other cultures.

• Head tilt: Tilting the head slightly to one side can be a non-verbal cue indicating attentiveness and engagement. It is often used to show interest in the speaker or to express empathy and understanding.

• Hand gestures: Indians commonly use hand gestures to emphasize verbal communication. For example, pointing with the index finger is considered impolite, so Indians may use an open palm or a nod to point to something.

🇨🇦How might Canadians perceive some non-verbal cues and body language of Indians?

Canadians may interpret and respond to non-verbal cues and body language differently based on cultural backgrounds. While some Canadians may be tuned to reading and responding to non-verbal cues, others may place less importance on them. Misinterpretations can occur if there is a need for more awareness or understanding of the cultural significance of specific non-verbal cues.

Here are some specific examples to illustrate how Canadians may interpret and respond to non-verbal cues and body language in the workplace:

• Facial Expressions: During a discussion, an Indian team member may display facial expressions that include smiling, nodding, or raising eyebrows to convey understanding or agreement. Canadians generally appreciate facial expressions. Smiling and nodding show engagement and agreement. However, raised eyebrows or other facial expressions might be interpreted differently by the person, potentially leading to different interpretations or misinterpretations.

• Hand Gestures: An Indian team member may use hand gestures while speaking to emphasize points. Canadians may generally appreciate hand gestures as they can emphasize key points. However, the interpretation of specific hand gestures can vary among individuals. It is essential to consider cultural differences and individual preferences to avoid misinterpretations.

Canadians with limited exposure to Indian cultural norms and non-verbal communication cues may misinterpret non-verbal cues or body language used by Indians. 

Example Scenario: A Canadian employee, John, is working on a project with an Indian colleague, Ravi. They are having a conversation during a team meeting. Ravi, while listening to John, gently nods his head, maintaining a calm facial expression (non-verbal cue). John, with limited exposure to Indian cultural norms, may misinterpret Ravi's non-verbal cues. He may perceive Ravi's calm facial expression and gentle nodding as a lack of interest or disagreement. John may assume that Ravi needs to support his ideas or actively engage in the conversation fully.

Indirect Communication

Indians may use subtle language and indirect expressions to convey their thoughts. They may also express agreement and disagreement in an understated manner. For example, Indians may offer alternative suggestions when they disagree rather than directly contradicting someone's ideas. 
Additionally, Indians value harmony and consensus in group settings. Instead of directly expressing disagreement, they may engage in discussions, seek input from others, and make decisions collectively. This approach helps preserve relationships and fosters a harmonious working environment.

🇨🇦How might Canadians perceive some Indian indirect communication styles?

• Meeting Discussions: In a meeting, an Indian team member may provide suggestions or express disagreement indirectly by saying, "I see your point, but have we considered looking at it from a different angle?" Canadian colleagues may perceive the Indian team members as polite and appreciate their attempt to maintain harmony. However, some Canadians accustomed to more direct communication styles may struggle to grasp the underlying message or need further clarification.

• Performance Feedback: An Indian manager may provide constructive criticism by saying, "Your work is good, but there might be some room for improvement in this area." They may choose indirect language to soften the feedback and avoid confrontation. Canadian employees may perceive the Indian manager as respectful and considerate due to the use of indirect language. However, some Canadians accustomed to more direct feedback may initially need help to discern the areas needing improvement or seek more explicit feedback for clarity.

• Decision-Making Process: In a team decision-making process, an Indian team member may express their disagreement indirectly by saying, "I understand your perspective, but have we explored other alternatives?" They may use subtle language to indicate their differing opinion while maintaining a collaborative atmosphere. Canadians may perceive the Indian team members as diplomatic and appreciative of diverse viewpoints. However, some Canadians accustomed to more direct communication styles may need help understanding the disagreement.

Politeness and Respect

Canadians generally value politeness and respect in the workplace, so they may appreciate the emphasis Indians place on using respectful language and gestures.

🇨🇦How might Canadians perceive the politeness and respect emphasized in Indian communication styles in the workplace?

• Greetings and Formalities: An Indian colleague may greet their Canadian counterpart with a warm smile and say, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. How are you today?" Canadians may appreciate polite and respectful greetings, seeing them as a positive aspect of Indian communication styles.

• Polite Language: During a team meeting, an Indian team member may use phrases like "Excuse me," "Please," or "Thank you" when making a request or expressing their thoughts. Canadians may appreciate the consideration and respect conveyed by such language, which contributes to a courteous work environment.

• Overemphasis on Hierarchy: Canadians accustomed to flatter organizational structures and egalitarian communication may perceive the emphasis on hierarchy in Indian cultural communication styles as limiting.

Example Scenario: A Canadian employee, Sarah, is part of a multicultural team with Indian colleagues. During a team meeting, they discuss a new project and share ideas for its implementation. Indian Approach: The Indian team members, influenced by their cultural norms, tend to defer to the team leader or more senior members when expressing their ideas. They may wait for the leader to share their thoughts before giving input. As a Canadian employee accustomed to flatter organizational structures and egalitarian communication, Sarah may perceive the emphasis on hierarchy in the Indian communication style as limiting. She may prefer a more open and inclusive communication environment, where ideas can be freely shared across all levels of the organization. Sarah may feel that the Indian team members are not fully expressing their opinions or ideas, which can hinder creativity and innovation in the team.

In this example, Sarah’s perception of an overemphasis on hierarchy is influenced by her cultural background and expectations of communication styles. She may value an environment where ideas flow freely, regardless of hierarchy, and encourage open and equal participation from all team members. It's important to foster understanding and create opportunities for open dialogue to bridge any gaps in communication styles and promote a collaborative and inclusive working environment.

Contextual Communication

Contextual communication is where both individuals involved in a conversation understand what the conversation is about and the context, i.e., circumstances in which it occurs. At first, Canadians may find the Indian contextual communication practices unfamiliar, but with increased exposure, they will understand them.

🇨🇦How might Canadians perceive the contextual communication style of Indians?
For example, during a team discussion, an Indian colleague may refer to their experience back home in India to help others understand the topic. Or, an Indian team member may incorporate cultural references into their communication. They may explain these references to help others grasp the underlying meaning. Initially, Canadians may find the provision of background information or cultural references unfamiliar. However, with increased exposure, they may recognize that the background information enhances understanding and fosters inclusivity.