Speech Communication 301: Communication Across Cultures
Incident Two
STAFF MEETING
Alan, a business intern at a Japanese company, was looking forward to
attending his first staff meeting. Since the agenda included an issue that
would be controversial in an American office, Alan expected to encounter
an interesting discussion. The meeting, however, ended up being pretty dull:
there were no pro and con arguments. Instead, people asked a few questions
about the issue, and some made brief comments in favor of one proposed solution.
Alan had heard that some of the staff disagreed with this proposed solution
but they merely raised a few minor questions. One committee member did state
his objection; there was a moment of silence, and no one responded. Then
the chairperson asked if there were any other questions or comments and
brought the issue to a close. He didn't even call for a vote! In the end,
Alan thought, they hadn't discussed anything substantial at all.
Why do you think the staff members were relatively quiet at the meeting
and voiced little dissent?
