CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

THREE ISSUES AFFECTING COMMUNICATION

Because communication is such a pervasive and strategic part of the organization, almost

anything that affects the organization and its employees affects the communication

function as well. However, three contemporary issues are having a special impact on

business communication:

•         Diversity – The effects of cultural differences in the workplace locally and internationally.

•         Technology – The effects of automation on business communication.

•         Ethics – The legal and moral implications of communicating in the contemporary business environment.

Strategies for Communicating Across Cultures

When communicating with people from different cultures, whether abroad or at home,

use the following strategies:

•         Communicate Clearly – To ensure that your oral and written messages are understood, follow these guidelines:

•         Avoid slang, jargon, and other figures of speech.

•         Be specific and discuss your points with concrete examples.

•         Provide feedback; summarize frequently; provide a written summary of the points covered in a meeting; ask your counterpart to paraphrase what has been said; encourage questions.

•         Use a variety of media, such as handouts, audiovisual aids, and the like.

•         Avoid attempts at humor.

•         Speak plainly and slowly, choose your words carefully.

•         Maintain Formality – Most cultures value and respect a formal approach to business dealings. Call others by their titles and family names unless asked to do otherwise.

•         Show Respect- Listen carefully to what is being communicated, try to understand the other person’s feelings. Learn about your host country (its geography, form of government, largest cities, culture, current events, and the like.

•         Value Diversity – View diversity as a source of richness and strength for the organization. It can help bring a wide range of benefits to the organization. Whether you happen to belong to the majority culture or to one of the minority cultures where you work, you will share your work and leisure hours with people

      different from yourself – people who have values, mannerisms, and speech habits           different from your own. A person who is knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, different cultures is a more effective manager. This is true today, and it will be even truer in the future.

Communicating in a Diverse World

The Concept of Diversity

Individual Characteristics

Personal Experiences

Intercultural  Communication

Cultural Backgrounds

Cultural Differences

Advantages of a Diverse Workforce

•         Connecting with Customers

•         Expanding the Talent Pool

•         Broader Spectrum of Viewpoints

•         Understand and Identify with Diverse Markets