Again. Something about Obama 
The subject of this post came to my mind when I was listening the morning news from the radio. My first post in this blog was about the relationship between U.S and China and about the upcoming visit of Barack Obama to the Asian countries – now this visit is taking place and at the moment Obama is in Japan. What I heard from the radio was this:
When Obama was shaking hands with the Japanese Emperor he bowed. So what? Isn’t that quite right thing to do to show some respect? Maybe not. This small gesture has caused a lot of discussion especially in the United States. “Very low bows like this are a sign of great respect and deference to a superior”, write the Los Angeles Times. In U.S this gesture has considered to be too humble. The Los Angeles Times even asks: “How low will he go?”.
This example shows how important it is to know the other culture when doing PR. It can be said that “culture is the way people think, live, act and communicate”. As PR persons we need to know about people and their backround to understand their communications and get our own messages through in a right way. It is important to become acquianted with the local culture and be prepared to follow its rules while doing business there.
Like this “very low bow” of President Obama many cultural differences take the form of nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication occurs through actions and cues other than words. PR practitioners can effectively use nonverbal communication to strengthen their message but if using wrong gestures, facial expressions or other signs the message can take a totally new form – which is not necessary a good thing.
Nonverbal communication is a rather new thing and its impact has been regognized only a while ago. Still, most communication relies not only spoken words but rather on symbols, images, logos, music, clothing, gestures, facial expressions, colours and settings – to mention a few.
And to get back to Obama. To me, the bow doesn’t look that bad but I’m not that familiar with japanese culture either… But I don’t know. Does this reveal the right kind of messages that go hand in hand with the intended? What do you think?
Is nonverbal communication important in public relations activities?
-Reeta-
The article in the Los Angeles Times: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/11/obama-emperor-akihito-japan.html
Apparently nonverbal communication is important, too. Too bad you can never know it all, and a spontaneous, small gesture like a bow can cause such a stir. Interesting!
By: Susanna on November 17, 2009
at 11:55 am
I agree with Susanna! Nonverbal communication is important and PR practitioners should take them into account. In our globalized and multicultural world it is necessary to know nonverbal communication patterns of different countries..
Maria
By: Maria on November 17, 2009
at 12:12 pm
You have such an important point of view in your post. I think nonverbal communication certainly is something what PR professionals should think in their work.
By: Mirja Mäkikangas on November 17, 2009
at 1:06 pm
I don’t know much about Japanese culture either, but I thought that the real issue here may not be whether Obama broke some Japanese rules of behavior or not. Maybe the bow was totally correct and appreciated in Japanese terms. But according to US commentators it wasn’t ok, because they thought Obama showed kind of too much respect. Guess they think he – as the representative of US, a great power state – should have been less eager to please.
The underlying motive for critique can also be a political one. And it can be linked more with inner political debates than with how to practise international relations or PR. The “honeymoon” with new president is over and some people in US will use what ever they can to criticize his actions.
By: Nina K on November 18, 2009
at 11:35 am
you are right Nina! this could also be political criticism. But I think Obama did the right thing showing so much respect to the Japanese emperor. He puts himself on the same level. I think when you show respect you can improve relationships. The critics should come off their high horse when thinking Obama showed too much respect and he is in a higher position than all others…
Maria
By: Maria Kellner on November 18, 2009
at 1:15 pm
very good discussion:) and interesting story!
By: Kaja Bearmom on November 18, 2009
at 9:48 pm
Barack Obama leads the way showing how important understanding intercultural behavior is to the relationships between countries. Critiques can be understood from the American political point of view as it can be interpreted weakness – but, to my opinion, is merely a gesture of strength. Way to go, Obama!
By: Anne on November 23, 2009
at 5:33 pm