Intercultural Communication in Organizations

by Aug 28, 2023

Intercultural communication is like a bridge that helps people from different backgrounds talk to and understand each other. It’s not just about language, but also about how we express ourselves.

Take me, for example—I’m from the Philippines, working at Civility Partners, a US company, and reporting to Catherine, my American boss. Even though we both speak English, our communication styles might be different. Catherine’s big on chit-chat, using small talk as a warm-up act before diving into business. She’s all about bonding, talking informally, creating jokes, and getting personal with questions about weekends and life.

Now, coming from Filipino culture, I’ve got this thing ingrained where we’re a bit more reserved, carefully balancing personal and professional subjects, and extremely polite, especially when talking to our boss. (But I got comfortable eventually!)

Intercultural communication isn’t just about different countries. It can be when a scientist talks to a sports player, or when someone with a big family works with someone who grew up alone. Even people from different parts of the same country, like California and New York, can have different ways of speaking.

It’s also about understanding and respecting each other’s identities. For example, if someone is transgender, they might talk differently from someone who isn’t. This kind of communication starts with knowing ourselves. Things like being the oldest sibling or doing well in school can shape how we talk.

To do it well, we need to keep an open mind and not assume everyone is the same as us. It’s normal for us to think that way, but as we grow and learn, we can choose to understand others better.

 

Importance of Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication is what helps teams bond, brainstorm cool new ideas, and just generally be awesome together. To make it work, we need to learn about our own ways of communicating and be willing to listen to and learn from others. This way, organizations can create a friendly and effective atmosphere where everyone gets along and works well together.

Let’s delve into why this form of communication is a cornerstone for organizational growth.

 

Conflict Resolution

Differing viewpoints and approaches are inevitable in any organization. When effective intercultural communication is in place, it provides a helpful way to sort out conflicts that might come up because of misunderstandings or cultural differences. By encouraging open conversations and making an effort to understand each other’s perspectives, teams can handle conflicts better and reach agreements faster.

To learn more about this, register for our webinar on Dealing with Toxic People at Work which we rescheduled for September 6th at 9am PST. It’s worth 1 SHRM PDC, so make sure to secure your spot!

 

Embracing Diversity and Cross-Cultural Learning

Having a diverse workplace means that there are lots of different people with their own special ways of thinking and doing things. When these people talk to each other and understand each other’s cultures, it makes the workplace really colorful and interesting. This mix of differences helps organizations come up with new and creative ideas.

With that said, check out Catherine’s course, Managing Diversity! This course uses real case studies and examples that will help you create a strategic plan to support diversity and inclusion in your workplace and manage a diverse workforce.

 

Enhanced Collaboration

Collaboration often involves working with colleagues who possess diverse skill sets and cultural backgrounds. Intercultural communication encourages clear and direct exchange of ideas, ensuring that team members are aligned in their goals and objectives. This collaboration not only improves productivity but also creates a harmonious work environment.

 

Effective Leadership

Leaders who excel in intercultural communication inspire trust and respect among their teams. They demonstrate an ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives, which, in turn, boosts employee morale and engagement. Strong intercultural leadership fosters a sense of belonging and encourages individuals to contribute their best efforts.

As we strive for excellence in our workplaces, let us recognize that the tapestry of cultures within our organizations is a powerful asset that, when woven together through effective communication, propels us toward greater achievements.

Let us know what you think about it and if you’d like to bring Intercultural Communication training to your workforce!

PS: We’re heading to Boston for INBOUND 2023! Hubspot’s highly-anticipated marketing and sales conference, regarded as the top event of its kind in the country! Catherine will be speaking about “Addressing Burnout as a Root Cause: Company Culture.”  

When it comes to DEI, language matters…and it’s constantly evolving. Are you using the right terminology in your organization? Download our DEI Terminology Cheat Sheet and see how you stack up.

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is President of consulting and training firm, Civility Partners, and has been successfully providing programs in workplace bullying and building positive workplaces since 2007. Her clients include Fortune 500’s, the military, several universities and hospitals, government agencies, small businesses and nonprofits. She has published in a variety of trade magazines and has appeared several times on NPR, FOX, NBC, and ABC as an expert, as well as in USA Today, Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. Catherine is Past-President of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), San Diego Chapter and teaches at National University. In his book foreword, Ken Blanchard called her book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” She recently released a second book entitled, SEEKING CIVILITY: How Leaders, Managers and HR Can Create a Workplace Free of Bullying.

5 Corporate Shortcomings for Newly Promoted Managers

If you've ever been promoted from the ranks of the worker bees to the lofty position of a manager, you know it's like jumping into the deep end of the corporate swimming pool without knowing how to swim. It's a thrilling, yet terrifying experience that can often leave...

It’s Human Resource Professional Day!

A profession that often flies under the radar but plays a pivotal role in making organizations thrive - Human Resources (HR).  On this special occasion of HR Professional Day, let's give a shout-out to the unsung heroes behind the scenes, ensuring that organizations...

Inclusive Culture: What Does It Actually Mean?

There is a lot of talk about “inclusive culture” in the workplace. But what does it actually mean? In its purest form, an inclusive culture is about creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered, regardless of their background,...

What can we all learn from recent layoffs?

10,000 layoffs at Microsoft. 6,000 layoffs on Twitter – that's a whopping 80% of their workforce! Amazon isn't far behind, with 18,000 layoffs Even Meta is planning to cut another 10,000 jobs.  And Google? Well, they've let go of 12,000 of their own. Job market is...

Mastering Retention: The Manager’s Role

As someone who has spent quite some time in the workplace, I've noticed something odd: talented people seem to leave their jobs more often than not. It's always a bit baffling when someone with all the skills and abilities a company needs up and leaves for seemingly...

3 Ways to Foster Emotional Intelligence Within Your Team

Ever wondered what sets truly successful teams apart? It's not just about technical skills and expertise – it's also about something more intangible yet incredibly impactful: Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Picture a workplace where challenges are met with ease,...

The Importance of Promoting Mental Health at Work

It is important to prioritize mental health not just in our personal lives, but also in our professional lives. Work can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for many individuals, and promoting mental health in the workplace can have multiple benefits. In...

Intercultural Communication in Organizations

Intercultural communication is like a bridge that helps people from different backgrounds talk to and understand each other. It's not just about language, but also about how we express ourselves. Take me, for example—I'm from the Philippines, working at Civility...

Nurturing an Inclusive and Diverse Mindset for a Better World

In a rapidly evolving world, where the boundaries between cultures, perspectives, and experiences are becoming increasingly porous, cultivating an inclusive mindset has never been more crucial. An inclusive mindset is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental shift in...

Psychological Safety Should Be a Part of Your Safety Programs

In today's modern workplaces, we recognize the growing importance of psychological safety. It's not just another buzzword; it's a fundamental concept that we value deeply. Just as we prioritize physical safety measures to protect our employees, we understand that...