When I worked for FOCUS Kenya, I once had the privilege of doing a photo shoot with the senior management team of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) in 2022. It was their first physical meeting since 2018, and the shoot was neatly slotted between 10:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., right after tea break.
From my experience in Kenya, I knew this would be ambitious. The photo session would go on until noon, especially since the team had not been together in person for some years. Group photography in Kenya is not for the faint of heart. It’s a cultural experience on its own.
First, positioning people takes time, as everyone has a better idea of where they should stand.
Then comes the queue of smartphones. Everyone wants a copy of the photo, so you end up holding phones even with your chin, as well as pocketing others to free your hands for the job. And because Kenyans are naturally social, the moment old friends spot each other, a mini-reunion begins. After every click, someone will shout, “Let’s see that one!” before the next shot proceeds.
The Western Surprise
So I went to the shoot ready for an extended session. To my surprise, we finished in less than twenty minutes. The team leader (communications director), had a printed list of photo groupings and followed it precisely. There was no chatter, no phones, and no reviewing after each photo. The session flowed quickly and smoothly.
It was efficient and well-coordinated, yet very different from what I was used to. I appreciated how organized the process was and reflected on how much culture shapes our approach to even simple activities.
Finding Value in Every Culture
Every culture brings its own strengths. One may value precision and time management, while another values connection and shared experience. Each has something to teach the other.
A culture that values warmth can embrace structure, while one that prioritizes order can benefit from moments of human connection. Blending these values can lead to greater experience in human interactions.
Blending warmth and structure can turn simple moments into shared meaning.
Edward Hall’s (1976) High-Context and Low-Context Cultures Theory which I recently cited, helps explain this experience. High-context cultures, like Kenya’s, rely on shared understanding and relationships. Low-context cultures, such as those in the West, emphasize clarity, directness, and efficiency. Both perspectives enrich human interaction when applied with awareness and respect.
Culture and Communications is not about who is right or wrong. It’s about how we make meaning together. Whether through laughter, order, or collaboration, learning from each other helps us create shared spaces where warmth meets efficiency.
References
Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.