Multicultural Setting
Why Important in Communicating
W e 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.
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.
 Keep an open mind
 Have at least some knowledge of people’s
cultural backgrounds
 Practice active listening
 Watch your nonverbal communication
 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.”
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 a 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.