Discuss how individualism and collectivism influence communication.

What will be an ideal response?

Emphasis on the individual leads members of highly individualistic cultures to be assertive and confront conflict directly, whereas members of highly collectivist cultures are more likely to engage in collaboration or to avoid conflict.
In contrast, collectivist cultures like Japan value harmony. Common business practices are based on an elaborate process called nemawashii (a term meaning "binding the roots of a plant before pulling it out"). To maintain harmony and avoid confrontational argument, any subject that might cause conflict should be discussed among individuals before the group meets to ensure that interactions during the meeting will not seem rude or impolite.