Intercultural Communication Individuals or Groups

Question: Discuss about theIntercultural Communicationfor Individuals or Groups. Answer: Importance and Advantages of Effective Intercultural Communication in the Workplace Introduction Intercultural communication or cross-cultural communication can be defined as the communication between individuals or groups belonging to different origin or culture. As intercultural communication offers the ability to deal with multiple cultures, it is important to study about it. The aim of this report is to elaborate and emphasize on the importance of intercultural communication in the workplace. In the increasing international business scenario and globalization, the businesses are not restricted by borders. It may be difficult to communicate effectively in the global world even if both parties speak the same language. Therefore, it is necessary for effective and clear intercultural communication. This report shall highlight the advantages of effective intercultural communication so that the organizations take initiative to enhance it. A few challenges are also stated so that necessary strategies can be recommended to overcome it. The global businesses need to understand how to communicate with customers, employees and other stakeholders of different culture to achieve organizational mission and build value. Moreover, tips and aids to enhance intercultural communication in the workplace are highlighted. Importance of Intercultural Communication in the Workplace Every workforce needs be productive being supported with diversity in the global marketplace. The intercultural communication importance at the workplace must not be underestimated. Intercultural communication plays a significant role in the workplace as the final output is directly affected. In the words of Russell Simons, an American entrepreneur...if we are open and we prepare for promoting dialogue and love, and a better understanding of each other, and tolerance and so forth, that's what the world will become, a more tolerant, loving place. Effective intercultural communication helps in preventing misunderstanding, avoiding conflict and fostering respect (Barker, 2015). Firstly, the workplace diversity is increasing regularly. The people of different cultural backgrounds, nationality and creed create a diverse workforce. Therefore, the managers need to be sensitive so that their behaviour is not termed as harassment or discrimination. According to Martin and Nakayama (2015), discriminating in the workplace is a legal offense and makes the firm liable to pay heavy penalty. Therefore, intercultural communication captures such sensitive activities that avoid conflicts. Further, language may be considered as an imperfect form of communication as it may not always be possible to convey an idea using words. Therefore, effective intercultural communication shall help in bridging the language gaps that could possibly cause issue (Liu, Volcic, Gallois, 2014). Thirdly, effective intercultural communication at the workplace fosters respect among employees. There is greater job satisfaction among employees and the turnover shall be less. When the peers of one culture speak different language or follow different norms, they may not be able to ignore the differences if remaining employees do not respect it. Therefore, intercultural communication enables workers to transmit information clearly that enhance respect among employees. Lastly, effective intercultural communication at workplace prevents misunderstandings. When the people belong to different cultures, their native language can create confusion. Therefore, intercultural communication encourages clear communication that all parties understand (Mao Hale, 2015). Neuliep (2014) argues that while the organizations are trying to overcome the challenges faced in intercultural communication at the workplace, it is evaluated that there is increased risk of discrimination. With diverse workforce, the employees have a greater tendency of distinguishing status, skin colour and culture. Further, it is challenging to overcome the barriers of internal communication. The employees may be unwilling to adapt to cultural changes and implement it in the communication process. It is challenging to communicate effectively in the workplace due to intercultural issues as there are implicit discrimination issues. Small businesses can nip implicit discrimination in the bud by providing support and equal opportunities to all employees. The employees face issues regarding fluency and accents as the non-English speakers can feel unappreciated in the workplace. In some cultures, employees are treated based on their status and ranks. Therefore, a lack of cultural aware ness may result in a disconnected workforce leaving the employees unrecognized (Bourne, 2016). Advantages of Intercultural Communication With the increase in global interconnectivity, intercultural communication has become critical for the organizations. According to Martin and Nakayama (2015), the successful organizations treat acceptance of diversity as a moral and legal obligation. The advantages involve increase in trust, respect, morale and productivity among the employees. The businesses intend to grow and operate globally so that the employees can enjoy immense benefits. Intercultural communication can help in increasing proficiency and productivity. It encourages employees from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to communicate effectively. The diverse workforce can maximize employee productivity and increase job security. The training to accept diverse cultures helps in reducing conflict. As the employees can be trained for carrying effective intercultural communication, the dissatisfaction and misunderstanding can be eliminated (Martin, 2015). Intercultural communication also boosts teamwork in the organization as the employees understand each others differences. The employees understand influence of culture on communication and behavioural tendencies. The employees are aware of the colleagues intercultural communication, cultural influences and eliminate stereotypes that are a potential threat to teamwork. Further, effective and successful intercultural communication gives the organization a global edge. If the employees are trained in intercultural communication, there shall be successful negotiation skills in the global marketplace. An organization understanding the importance of intercultural communication can launch its business internationally (Uhlenwinkel, 2017). Recommendations It is recommended that employees in the workplace need to follow a few tips and strategies to enhance intercultural communication. The standards of effective intercultural communication vary from difference places and countries. A few aids to intercultural communication in the workplace are explained in this section. Firstly, the employees and managers must maintain a positive attitude. Before conducting an interaction session with the employees of a different culture, a little introspection is necessary. Own attitude of employees need to be assessed so that necessary behavioural changes can be recommended. Secondly, the employees need to understand diversity. The employees must accept cultural diversity in the organization and understand its concept. Further, individual interaction needs to be encouraged so that nuances of the culture can be understood. The employees must apply good listening skills as the people from different culture expect to be heard and understood well. After recruitment of employees from different cultures, an induction program must be conducted to ease the process for the employee as well as organization. The office jargons must be explained to the immigrant employee so that he is well acquainted with the communication patterns. The organization also needs to discourage discrimination and racism to promote healthy intercultural communication. Workplace communication can be positive if non-racist policies are well implemented. The employees must also keep an open mind and acknowledge the differences. The behaviours that make people unwanted and excluded must be avoided. The employees must be careful with their words and behaviour so that a productive and positive environment can be maintained. Effective leaders establish rules for appropriate behaviour and take disciplinary action when violations occur. Everyo ne should feel safe at work. The managers must bring diverse groups together in social situations that can help build effective teams. Conclusion Conclusively, the importance and benefits of intercultural communication must not be undermined. In the increasing international business scenario and globalization, the businesses are not restricted by borders. The people of different cultural backgrounds, nationality and creed create a diverse workforce. Effective intercultural communication shall help in bridging the language gaps that could possibly cause issue. There is greater job satisfaction among employees and the turnover shall be less with effective intercultural communication. The employees may be unwilling to adapt to cultural changes and implement it in the communication process. A lack of cultural awareness may result in a disconnected workforce leaving the employees unrecognized. The advantages involve increase in trust, respect, morale and productivity among the employees. Further, effective and successful intercultural communication gives the organization a global edge. Before conducting an interaction session with the employees of a different culture, a little introspection is necessary. After recruitment of employees from different cultures, an induction program must be conducted to ease the process for the employee as well as organization. The behaviours that make people unwanted and excluded must be avoided. References Barker, G. G. (2016). Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Intercultural Communication Competence. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 45(1), 13-30. Bourne, J. S. (2016). Exploring intercultural communication challenges: a case study on Chinese-English interpreting. China Media Research, 12(1), 14-25. 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