Focus on Email Participation: The study centered on email as the primary mode of computer-mediated

communication (CMC), excluding other tools like blogs, wikis, web conferencing, and face-to-face
meetings.

Measurement of Effective Participation: Effective participation in the World Summit on the Information
Society (WSIS) was gauged based on substantive contributions made by Civil Society participants across
four decision-making stages: problem recognition/agenda setting, information search, specification of
alternatives, and choice.

Distinct Cultural Orientations: The study analyzed communicative behaviors from two distinct cultural
orientations: high context and low context. These cultural orientations influence how individuals
contribute to decision-making stages based on their communication styles and cultural values.

High-Context Communication: In high-context cultures, communication relies heavily on implicit cues,

shared understanding, and context, potentially impacting how individuals engage in the decision-making
process across the four stages.

Low-Context Communication: Low-context cultures prioritize explicit and direct communication, with
less reliance on contextual cues. Individuals from such cultures may approach decision-making stages
differently compared to those from high-context cultures.

Cultural Communication Styles: The study explored how cultural communication styles, shaped by high
or low context, influence individual contributions to decision-making stages, considering the cultural
values associated with each orientation.

Differential Contributions: Depending on their cultural orientation, individuals may contribute differently
to various decision-making stages, reflecting the interplay between cultural communication styles and the
decision-making process.

Impact on Decision Making: Understanding cultural orientations and communication styles is crucial for
facilitating effective participation and decision making, particularly in diverse and multicultural contexts
such as the WSIS.

Implications for Cross-Cultural Communication: The study sheds light on the importance of cultural
sensitivity and awareness in CMC contexts, emphasizing the need to tailor communication strategies to
accommodate cultural differences.
Limitations and Scope: While the study focused on email participation and high/low-context cultural
orientations, it acknowledges the broader landscape of CMC tools and cultural factors that may influence
decision making in different contexts.