Which communication style would most likely lead to misunderstandings in low-context societies?

In low-context societies, communication relies heavily on direct and explicit verbal expression. An effective communication style in these contexts is typically straightforward, where clarity and precision are prioritized. The affective style, characterized by emotional expression and reliance on non-verbal cues, does not align well with the expectations in low-context environments.

In such societies, where communication is expected to be unambiguous and to the point, relying on an affective style can lead to misunderstandings. The emotional nuances and implicit messages that are vital in affective communication may be overlooked or misinterpreted in a low-context setting, where individuals may not be accustomed to reading between the lines or picking up on non-verbal signals.

Thus, the affective communication style is less likely to facilitate mutual understanding in low-context societies, highlighting the importance of matching communication styles to cultural contexts to ensure effective interaction and minimize the risk of misunderstandings.