Communicating at Work (week 4)

Objectives

• Identify the cultures and co-cultures in a specific organisation, field or community and describe how their norms and values shape communication in the workplace.
• Use the guidelines on pages 58-61 to describe the ways you and others can communicate most effectively in a diverse work environment.
• Describe the culture in a specific organisation or field and explain how you can communicate most effectively within this culture.

Cultural Diversity and Communication p. 39

1. The Nature of Culture p. 40
2. Cultural Differences in Doing Business p. 43
3. Fundamental Dimensions of Cultural Diversity p. 46
4. Co-cultural Dimensions of a Diverse Society p. 51
5. Diversity and Ethical Issues p. 56
6. Communicating across Diversity p. 58

Cultural Differences in Doing Business p. 43

• Differences in Customs and Behavior 
• Formality (first name vs. family name, greetings)
• Social customs (handshake, bow, exchanging name cards, exchange gifts)
• Styles of dress (Muslim countries, western suits vs. traditional dress)
• Time (appointment, scheduled work, punctuality, vs. oriental accent of friendship first)
• Conflict styles (harmony, not saying no, choice of words, handling disagreement)
• Gender roles (women vs. men)

Fundamental Dimensions of Cultural Diversity p. 46

• High- vs. Low-Context (read p. 47-48)
• Individualism and Collectivism
• Power Distance
• Uncertainty Avoidance
• Task vs. Social Orientation
• Short- vs. Long-Term Orientation

Co-Cultural Dimensions of a Diverse Society p. 51

• Regional Differences
• Ethnicity
• Disabilities

Communicating across Diversity p. 58

• Become Culturally Literate
• View Diversity as an Opportunity
• Avoid Ethnocentrism
• Don't Condescend
• Create Dialogue

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Organisational Culture and Communication p. 61

1. The Importance of Organisational Culture p. 63
2. Dimensions of Organisational Culture p. 64
3. Creating and Maintaining Organisational Cultures p. 65
4. Organisational Culture and Career Planning p. 67

The Importance of Organisational Culture p. 63

• Theory X Organisations
• Theory Y Organisations

Dimensions of Organisational Culture p. 64

• Sociability
• Power Distribution and job autonomy
• Degree of structure
• Achievement rewards
• Opportunities for growth
• Tolerance for risk and change
• Conflict tolerance
• Emotional support

Creating and Maintaining Organisational Cultures p. 65

•  Mc Donald Fast food
• Swiss Bank
• French Cosmetics
• Asian Hotel & Resort

Organisational Culture and Career Planning p. 67

• Study the Physical Setting
• Read What the Company Says about Itself
• Test How the Company Greets Strangers
• Interview Company People
• Learn How People Spend Their Time

Table 2-2 Cultural Traits Influencing Communication on the Job in the US, Japan and Mexico p. 47

Table 2-3 Cultural Values in Selected Countries p.49

Table 2-4 Co-Cultural Differences Can Lead to Misunderstandings p. 52

Table 2-5 Attitudes and Behaviors that Block or Promote Intercultural Relations p. 59