Organizational Theory and Behaviour

Discussion Forum Unit 4

How do social and cultural factors impact the effectiveness of communication in an

organization?

The culture in which individuals are socialized influences the way they communicate, and the

way individuals communicate can change the culture. Culture provides its members with an
implicit knowledge about how to behave in different situations and how to interpret others'
behaviour in such situations.
The factors influencing effective communication in an organization are following:
1. Cultural Diversity

When people from different cultural backgrounds communicate the chance of

misunderstanding and wrong interpretation of the message is higher. Large corporations and
MNC’s usually have a culturally diverse workforce. Also, they deal with many nationalities.
Misunderstanding of messages can lead to a very troubling situation for a company.
Companies can take some measures to avoid this problem.

2. Past Experiences

The experience of previous communication strongly determines the effectiveness of further

communication between the same sender and receiver. If either of the parties has a bitter
experience, further communication between them is likely to be ineffective.

3. Educational & Intellectual Difference

The difference in the informal educational and intellectual level of the sender and receiver
also influences the meaning of communication. If they have similar educational
qualifications, communication will be effective. Because they are likely to hold similar
perceptions, understanding, feeling, thinking, view, etc.

4. Attitude

The attitude or behaviour of either the giver or receiver of the information may affect
communication. If the receiver of the message is not willing to receive it, then discussion will
not take place. In the same way, the sender of the message may not be willing to send the
message, for example, if the workers are not ready to voice out their side of the story then the
management may not be able to know their problems hence ineffective communication.

5. Leadership Style
The style of leadership is used in the organization is also an influencing factor to
communication. An organization that uses authoritative or dictatorship style of leadership
may have poor communication as it will only be a one-way scenario. The superiors will be
the ones dictating what to be done unlike in situations where there is free sharing of ideas.
References
David, V. (1999). International Business Communication. Harper Collins.
Hargie, O. and Tourish, D. (2000). Handbook of Communication Audits for Organizations.
Routledge, London.
Octopus, R. (2008). The Importance of Communication in the Workplace, Retrieved Online
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