Module 2- Local and Global communication in multicultural settings

Multiculturalism refers to the presence of people with several cultures in a specific

setting. It is the co-existence of diverse cultures, where culture includes racial,
religious, or cultural groups and is manifested in customary behaviors, cultural
assumptions and values, patterns of thinking, and communicative styles
Some of the barriers to effective communication are language, medium of
communication, personality, and culture. Culture becomes a barrier to effective
communication when a person has different language bearing, and they have
different interpretations of such words.
For the proper name of the field "Intercultural Communication" credit is often
given to American anthropologist Edward T. Hall, who used it for the first time in
his book The Silent Language in 1959. The book is sometimes called "the field's
founding document" (Hart 1998).
Prior to publishing the book, Hall was a staff member at the Foreign Service
Institute, USA (1951-1955), where he, together with his colleagues, worked out
what can be called the first original paradigm for Intercultural Communication:

Main elements of Hall's paradigm for Intercultural Communication (Hart 1998)

were:
systematic empirical study and the classification of nonverbal communication
(defined as communication that does not involve the exchange of words) emphasis,
especially in nonverbal communication, on the out-of-conscious level of
information-exchange focus on intercultural communication, not as earlier on
macro level mono cultural studies a non-judgmental view toward and acceptance
of cultural differences participatory training methods in Intercultural
Communication.
The beginning of Intercultural Communication was for applied purposes rather
than for theoretical considerations: Training was the main issue. The first target
audience comprised American diplomats and development personnel whose
intercultural skills had to be improved.
From the Foreign Service Institute, Intercultural Communication teaching and
training spread to universities and other organizations. University courses were
given and academic textbooks in Intercultural Communication started to appear in
the USA on a larger scale in the 1970s. In Europe, the first university courses in
Intercultural Communication took place in the 1980s. The University of Jyväskylä
has been one of the pioneers in the field.
From the earlier, more applied focus on teaching and training, Intercultural
Communication has in recent decades developed and matured also as an academic
field with its own theory of building.

Strategies for Effective Cross-Cultural Communication within the Workplace

We often take for granted the way we communicate with one another. Similar to
everything else we learn, the way we make interpretations, create assumptions,
and form decisions is based on our cultural upbringing. In a multicultural
organization, how employees communicate can set the tone and foundation for a
learning culture. As discussed in my previous blog about the various types of
communication challenges that arise, it is critical to promote a work environment
that supports business and customer needs, while instilling unity and high
employee morale.
A productive workforce means creating an environment that supports diversity,
while balancing the pressures of management, time and cost. There are many
resources that provide communication tactics in a culturally diverse organization.
However, I believe getting down to the basics is the best way to understand and
implement techniques. I came across an article in AG Professional, “Multicultural
Communication Tips for Today’s World,” that simplified the best way to promote
effective communication.
Below are four simple tips to keep in mind when interacting and communicating
with others in your organization.
a. Keep an open mind
b. Have at least some knowledge of people’s cultural backgrounds
c. Practice active listening
d. Watch your nonverbal communication
e. Maintain a personal touch
It is important to understand the way people comprehend, communicate, and
make decisions across different types of cross-cultural backgrounds. Although it
may be difficult to interpret certain statements and behaviors, there must be a
significant emphasis placed on the concept of acceptance and open-mindedness.
“The key to success is understanding and accepting the differences on a
multicultural team and then using them to enhance the way the team analyzes
situations and makes decisions,” said Kelley Holland, in a New York Times article,
“How Diversity Makes a Team Click.”
We tend to be unaware of our own biases, placing stereotypes and cultural
assumptions on others. Creating an organizational awareness by providing diversity
training ensures employees learn to be culturally mindful and gradually adaptable
when communicating with people of different backgrounds.
Employees need to feel not only accepted but valued in an organization. By
attentively listening to the concerns and viewpoints of others, employees will start
to feel confident in the workplace. Active listening means paying attention to both
verbal and nonverbal cues. According to an article in Forbes, high-context cultures
(Central European, Latin American, Asian, etc.) tend to incorporate their message
through context, interpretation and non-verbal cues. On the other hand, low-
context cultures (most English-speaking countries) expect direct messages face-to-
face. Business leaders who recognize the importance of diversity training and take
the time to make their employees feel appreciated, gain the benefits of a
multicultural organization.
Alongside establishing effective communication within the workplace, expressing
interest in aspects of an employee’s life outside of the office can create a strong
relationship. Regardless of cultural differences, people want to feel like they are
part of a community. Effective internal communications in a culturally diverse
organization means being able to share and exchange ideas based on mutual
awareness, respect, and credibility. Implementing diversity training to improve
communication in the workplace is mutually beneficial for employees and the
organization, ensuring a high level of productivity and return on investment.
With the increased globalization in everything we do, it is essential to establish and
maintain effective cross-cultural communication. Workplace diversity can clearly
create more opportunities than challenges. That said, we should place a strong
emphasis on developing employees who are consciously aware of cultural
differences and how to embrace those opportunities to surface.
Effective Communication in a Multicultural Work Setting
Relating with different personalities at work has become even more challenging in
today’s multicultural environment. This is becoming the norm in the business
landscape that has turned global. There is a growing number of foreigners in
workplaces, as well as an ever-expanding demand to deal with foreign counterparts
from around the globe.
Sheila Viesca said “With mindfulness, tact, and acceptance. Today’s diverse
environment requires a culture of respect. With this in place, diversity can work to
a company’s advantage in terms of sharing new ideas and fresh approaches to
work. Viesca shares the following tips for organizations who face the challenge of
cultural complexity:
1. Prepare everyone. Identify the characteristics of people in your workplace to
keep everyone informed of cultures and more, highlighting sensitive issues.
2. Use simple language. Be aware of word choices.
3. Be tolerant of non-native English speakers. Have someone review their
correspondence for editing. Clarify matters after meetings to ascertain
announcements and instructions are understood. For this purpose, send an e-mail
on important matters discussed at a meeting.
4.Keep your temper in check during stressful moments. Check on the implications
of one’s words and actions before responding.
5. Practice sensible tolerance. Managers should aim to interact with the non-native
English speakers in their team. Reasonable deadlines for tasks must be given for
everyone to keep up.