It is status within the host culture that matters. Characteristics that confer a certain level of status in your own culture may not have the same effect in the host culture. Higher status is not necessarily more conducive to open communication. In fact, it may be that a high status individual is intimidating or threatening in some contexts. Insufficient status, however, may demean the exchange and discount the entire conversation.
Several factors impact the status that is perceived.
These may include age, educational level, economic level, manner of dress, family of origin, nationality, and other group affiliations. An entrepreneur in a small town who has little formal education may be intimidated by the same individual and decide not to do business. Age, as one example, implies a certain level of experience and knowledge. Body language and reactions to things that are said by the persons on the other side of the business transaction may be a result of the age of the interpreter. Similarly, educational level and financial position are sources of power and respect in most cultures.