Nowadays globalization plays a crucial role in world’s economy. Companies grow, develop new technologies and build different partnerships. It is only natural, that the workplace has become diverse on many levels. With this change the organizations need to adapt and take new approaches towards its multicultural environment. Diversified workforce has a huge potential to improve effectiveness of the organizations on a global scale. However with new possibilities come great responsibilities. Organizations need to take into account that there are many cases of cultural variants in different parts of the world. Therefore understanding the complexity of cultural diversity is a key to building a stable and efficient collaborations. In order to manage a diversified workforce, it is necessary for managers to possess effective soft skills. Meeting the set expectations in the multicultural organizations can be challenging, but it might be extremely beneficial under the right management. One of the most demanding issues within the multicultural environment is communication. It is a prime factor in every organization, especially when the multinational workforce comes into the picture. Effective exchange of information is the core of the organization and once it breaks the entire system is dysfunctional.
In the article you will learn about:
• the foundations of international communication and building a sense of belonging
• The pros and cons of working in an intercultural organization
Benefits of international communication
Proper communication can be a powerful tool in business. It helps in trust building among workers as well as it provides a ground for establishing constructive relationships within the workplace. Multicultural environment is more creative and innovative due to the diverse background of the workers. The workforce is also more competitive and technologically advanced. In addition to it in diversified workplaces people tend to have better relationships with key partners in foreign markets, since they have a better understanding of different cultures. In such multicultural groups the pressure is put on mutual respect and understanding. Consequently these factors make organizations strong and successful. The reasons of that are good cooperation and team work. The trust within coworkers is built through collective activities and strong interpersonal relationships achieved by communication and socialization. When people from different backgrounds start working together the relations between workers tighten creating a combined social habits or values. It is a beneficial process for organizations, because it shapes new corporate culture that promotes common understanding. The combination of diverse backgrounds and different cultures leads to new ideas. The fusion of diverse concepts creates cutting edge technologies in organizations. This not only gives innovative ideas, but also provides solutions to problems that company faces. However to achieve such results the companies need to give proper attention to communication processes among workers. An effective communication techniques can create opportunities as well as it might help to avoid misunderstandings. Hence with an adequate approach the exchange of information might convert misinterpretations and conflicts into a unified understanding between two multicultural groups of people.
Difficulties of international communication
The stability of multicultural organization can be developed through communication strategies. However to achieve this state we need to overcome different challenges that are bound to come in the multicultural companies. The most common problem within diverse environment is a language barrier. There is no doubt that English is a bridge language of the modern economic world and it has become the official standard for business. Nevertheless because of that many non-English speakers can be overlooked or unrewarded, due to their incompetence to communicate in this language. Sometimes even the managers are unable to convey properly their messages causing problems to companies. Another obstacle to deal with in multicultural organization is stereotyping. Labeling in the workplace is the main reason for differences in opinions about culture, which leads to miscommunication. Sometimes because of that superstitious employer can be biased, while making decision about employee future in organization. Along with stereotyping there is a possibility of ethnocentrism. It is defined as a superiority complex towards other cultures. Without proper communication techniques and mutual respect people can unintentionally try to show that one’s culture is above other. Cultural shock is also possible in multinational environment. Witnessing some unknown and unexpected practices may sometimes cause bewilderment and discomfort to people. Therefore it can lead to misunderstandings or be the source of offense. It is obvious that in multicultural organizations the approaches to task solving, leadership and team work may be diverse. Different perspectives on privacy or decision making-styles are also common in multicultural organizations. As much as those aspects can become the main advantages of the organization, they can also lead to disagreements. Attitude toward conflict resolution is a vital part of efficient workplace. Therefore explaining and improving proper communication between workers can prevent the source of disagreements and increase efficiency.
To conclude communication is the most effective instrument in multicultural environment. It can be the cause of misunderstanding, but correctly understood may become a powerful advantage of the organization. The effectiveness of the workplace heavily depends on the skills and hard work of workers. It is essential for managers and employers to develop communications skills of their employees. Multinational workplace can contribute to the development of organization on a global scale as well as it can create new corporate culture, that focuses on mutual understanding and respect. This way organizations may become more effective in goal-achievement and expand their brands on a global scale promoting safe and respectful work environment.
Author: Katarzyna Kaptur
Bibliography:
https://asce-uok.edu.pk/journal/index.php/JES/article/view/84
https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/wcob_fac/33/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326246783_Managing_Communication_Challenges_in_Multicultural_Organizations