Cultural diversity affects workplace communication in powerful ways.
The art of business communication has evolved as globalization has set disparate businesses cultures of the world on a collision course. Emerging economies have begun to integrate the business cultures of traditional powerhouse nations into their businesses, and they have been leaving traces of their own culture wherever they go. The impact of cultural diversity on business communication has widespread implications--from corporate boardrooms to employee break-rooms--and small business owners can benefit from gaining an understanding of the eccentricities of all cultures to which they are exposed.
Workplace Communication
According to lecturer and author Stephen Dahl, languages are highly influenced by the unique world views of their indigenous cultures. This means words and expressions themselves can have vastly different meanings and implications for people from different backgrounds. Employees in today's workplaces must be careful to ensure that their intended messages are understood clearly as they communicate with culturally diverse co-workers. Taboo topics of conversation, biases in spiritual, political or social issues and the nuances of life experience differ between cultures, making it a challenge for co-workers to find a common ground when communicating. Conflict management styles vary dramatically by culture as well, creating possible tensions. Imagine an employee from the Netherlands, where people see arguments as a constructive and necessary part of communication, trying to solve a problem with an employee from Japan, where public disagreement is deeply offensive, and you'll begin to grasp the types of problems that can arise due to cultural differences.
International Business Communication
In the past, it may have been commonplace for entrepreneurs and corporate managers to develop their own unique communication style for dealing with customers, business partners and suppliers. Today, however, managers must take the time to study the cultural eccentricities of their business counterparts before attempting to make contact with people in other countries or from other subcultures. The Texas oil tycoon, for example, has to understand that grabbing his Chinese partner's hand in a firm handshake is not a good idea but that a slight bow and smile are the appropriate form of greeting. Verbal communication and body language are more important than ever in international business dealings because innocent hand gestures, mannerisms or even posture can cause a rift between culturally diverse business partners. The diversity of culturally distinct managers has been melding slowly as globalization and Westernization give managers extensive experience in different cultures.
