EFFECTIVE_COMMUNICATION_IN_A_MULTICULTURAL_TEAM
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Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology *
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Communications
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Nov 24, 2024
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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN A MULTICULTURAL TEAM
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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN A MULTICULTURAL TEAM
Table of Contents
I.
Executive Summary
II.
Introduction
III.
Challenges of Communicating with a Multicultural Team
a.
Language Barriers
b.
Fluency and Accent Variation
b. Cultural Differences
c. Time Zone Differences
IV.
Communication Styles
V.
Solutions for Effective Communication
a.
Language and Communication Skills Training
b.
Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness
c.
Utilizing Technology and Tools
d.
Adaptation of Communication Styles
VI.
Conclusion
VII.
References
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Executive Summary
Communication within a multicultural agency has various challenges that a manager or
supervisor ought to overcome for the effective passing of information among the members.
These challenges include language barriers, cultural differences, distinct communication styles,
and trouble with fluency and accent. For effective communication in such an organization, it is
crucial to understand these challenges and know how one can overcome them through the
adoption of appropriate strategies. This paper proposes evidence-based methods to solve
communication difficulties when working with a multicultural team. By putting these
suggestions into practice, one may foster a supportive and inclusive work atmosphere while
leading their team to success and accomplishing corporate goals.
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Good communication within an organization propels it to success. As a multicultural
team leader, having practical communication skills is essential to ensure that the organization is
within its mission, vision, and goals. A multicultural organization contains members from
various backgrounds, with varying experiences, and who can work remotely from various
locations globally. Various challenges affect communication in such a setup; thus, to ensure an
effect, one should consider every aspect and follow them correctly. The essay analyses various
challenges a supervisor or manager may face while leading a multicultural organization and the
possible solutions.
Challenges of Communicating with a Multicultural Team
Communications within an organization with individuals from different environmental
set-ups and time variations globally may lead to a supervisor facing various communication
barriers. These challenges include language barriers, fluency, and accent variation, cultural
differences, variation in time differences, and different communication styles.
Language Barriers
One of the main challenges of this communication within such a large multicultural
organization is variation in language proficiency. Despite speaking English, there may be a
variation in the understanding of the language (Tenzer, Pudelko, and Zellmer-Bruhn, 2021).
Thus, this can lead to misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the shared information. To deal
with this variation, the organization should invest in language training programs for its team
members so as they improve their members' proficiency in English. They will be better able to
communicate themselves and comprehend others as a result.
Fluency and Accent Variation
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Accents and fluency present a more evident issue in a multicultural, organizationally
varied workplace. Despite English being the universal language of business worldwide, some
non-native English speakers may feel invisible and unvalued at workplaces since they find it
challenging to communicate in their home language. Because they cannot communicate
effectively in their second language, team members who are subject matter experts may be
forced to make compromises when needed to help the team (Tenzer, Pudelko, and Zellmer-
Bruhn, 2021). Interpersonal conflict and frustration can occasionally result from this. As a team
member, one can lose motivation, which would deter the collaborative learning process. An
organization can have setbacks and fail to experience a rise in return on investment. One way of
dealing with this is to invest in English language programs to educate the team members and
help them improve their communication. This will help ensure that communication is rightly
passed from one individual to another.
Cultural Difference
The fact that different cultures arrive at agreements and make executive decisions
differently is not surprising. Different cultures have different ideas about how long decisions
should take, what must be done in advance, and how much work is required. In contrast to other
cultures, which often reserve knowledge until after analyzing and comparing, Americans
typically make decisions relatively quickly (Szkudlarek et al., 2020). Dealing with this requires
the creation of occasional culturally sensitive workshops and training, which may help the team
members better understand each other's backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious
working environment.
Time Zone Variation
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Leading a multicultural organization that is globally recognized may include members
from different locations in the world. The time variation during meeting set-ups may be a
deterring factor for supervisors or leaders to hold effective meetings. To facilitate communication
and guarantee that meetings and deadlines are convenient for all team members, use scheduling
and collaboration solutions that consider time zones. This will try to help deal with the effect of
time variation, thus ensuring that every team member receives the information shared timely
without disruptions or strains.
Communication styles
The cultural difference also affects how individuals communicate. This, therefore, poses a
challenge to effective communication among a multicultural organization. The communication
styles vary among different cultures. Western cultures are direct in their mode of communication,
while other cultures are more discrete in their message presentation methods. Therefore,
communication among Westerners and non-Westerners can lead to confusion or misinterpretation
of the message in an organization, thus hindering the achievement of the main goal or mission.
Both in-person encounters and virtual communication are capable of this. A key element in
determining an organization's cohesiveness is the way personnel from different cultural
backgrounds interact with one another (Pauliene, Diskiene, and Matuzeviciute, 2019). For
instance, In Western society, we usually assume that someone agrees with a remark when they
nod during a board meeting. In contrast, a nod in certain other cultures indicates
acknowledgment rather than agreement. Encourage team members to adapt their communication
styles to align with the recipient's preferences, promoting effective and clear communication.
Solutions for Effective Communication
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To ensure that communication is well and effective within an organization, the possible
challenges that one may face while communicating with their team members are essential to put
into practice.
Language and Communication Skill Training
One effective way to get over language problems in a multinational team is to invest in
language training programs. Studies indicate that language instruction enhances team members'
confidence and morale and improves communication.
Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness
To handle cultural differences, it is imperative to promote cultural sensitivity and
awareness. Empirical studies suggest that multicultural diverse teams are typically more
inventive and efficient. Educating team members in this field fosters mutual respect and
understanding.
Utilizing Technology and Tools
Time zone variations can be mitigated using technology and solutions designed
specifically for remote teams. Research by Ilie (2019) has indicated that effective utilization of
technology in a remote work setting improves communication and production.
Adaptation of Communication Styles
Research suggests that adapting communication styles based on the recipient's
preferences is a critical factor in improving cross-cultural communication (Ilie, 2019, 266). It
ensures that messages are clear and well-received.
In conclusion, effectively communicating with a multicultural team seems complex but
rewarding. One may create a cohesive and productive team by tackling communication style
variances, language obstacles, cultural differences, and time zone issues. By putting the research-
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and evidence-based recommendations in this study into practice, one can lead their team to
success and create a welcoming and productive work environment. Managing a multicultural
team requires a leader who considers all factors for the organization's success.
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References
Ilie, O.-A. (2019). The Intercultural Competence. Developing Effective Intercultural
Communication Skills.
International conference KNOWLEDGE-BASED
ORGANIZATION
, 25(2), pp.264–268. doi:https://doi.org/10.2478/kbo-2019-0092.
Pauliene, R., Diskiene, D. and Matuzeviciute, E. (2019). Complex Approach on Multicultural
Teams Management & Leadership.
Journal of Educational and Social Research
, 9(2),
pp.8–16. doi:https://doi.org/10.2478/jesr-2019-0008.
Szkudlarek, B., Osland, J.S., Nardon, L. and Zander, L. (2020). Communication and culture in
international business – Moving the field forward.
Journal of World Business
, [online]
55(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2020.101126.
Tenzer, H., Pudelko, M. and Zellmer-Bruhn, M. (2021). The impact of language barriers on
knowledge processing in multinational teams.
Journal of World Business
, [online] 56(2),
p.101184. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2020.101184.
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