{"id":20745,"date":"2023-12-11T10:18:52","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T10:18:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/?p=20745"},"modified":"2023-12-11T10:18:52","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T10:18:52","slug":"cross-cultural-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/cross-cultural-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Cross-Cultural Communication in the Workplace: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Improve It"},"content":{"rendered":"

The phenomenon of working remotely<\/a> has led to major changes within organizations across the world. These changes can be seen everywhere; from the way colleagues interact on a daily basis, to the manner in which companies recruit their workforce. The catalyst for this, of course, <\/span>being the outbreak of COVID-19.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nowadays’ social context has been the impetus for radical change. It has pushed organizations to be more flexible and open to looking for talent beyond their borders. Most organizations have benefited from this expanded range of employment. Not having employees attached to a designated location and workplace has reduced costs, increased productivity, and strengthened intercultural relationships.<\/p>\n

What Is Cross-Cultural Communication?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"what<\/p>\n

Cross-cultural communication is the communication between people who have cultural differences due to nationality, age, working style, gender, ethnicity, race, etc. It can be verbal and non-verbal and can include the use of words, gestures, eye contact, or body language when interacting cross-culturally.<\/p>\n

Applied to a business-oriented context, cross-cultural communication refers to how well people from different cultures interact in a business environment. And how well they adapt their communication style to their co-worker\u2019s culture.<\/p>\n

Why Is Cross-Cultural Communication Important?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

Cross-cultural communication is important because it enables you to create a positive work culture by bringing out the best from the cultural backgrounds of all team members. In a multicultural environment, developing solid cross-cultural communication skills is vital.<\/p>\n

Diversity is an asset and a core value that all companies should hold. According to data, companies with racially and ethnically diverse leadership and executive teams<\/span> have a 36% higher likelihood of financially outperforming companies with little or no diversity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examining this in greater detail can unearth many opportunities that managers can harness to increase a business\u2019s <\/span>growth potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, hiring employees across different age ranges can provide valuable insights into a generation\u2019s habits and consumer preferences. From an organizational point of view,<\/span> this can be extremely useful when considering the best ways to reach various target groups when conducting marketing initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

The better a company understands its target audience, the greater the success it will have.<\/p>\n

This rule applies without exception, regardless of an organization\u2019s activity range or industry. Equally, the example and statement above remain applicable, whether related to age, gender, socio-economic background, etc.<\/p>\n

With diversity in the workplace also comes the call to develop better cross-cultural communication skills. For more prosperous personal and business relationships<\/span><\/a> we have to be open and adaptable, nurturing constructive communication with people from all backgrounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Examples of Cross-Cultural Communication<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Cross-functional
\nGlobal brands, in particular, having large, worldwide spread offices and employees, face potential miscommunication<\/a> situations more often in both external and internal communication<\/a> processes.<\/p>\n

A bulletproof multicultural marketing strategy based on proper research will likely skyrocket a brand\u2019s popularity in many markets.<\/p>\n

An example of multicultural marketing done right<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Apple is a brand that holds a very special place in many consumers\u2019 hearts. While some of its success is due to the flawless quality of the products manufactured, there\u2019s more going on here than meets the eye.<\/p>\n

The brand can also attribute its reputation and immense popularity to the way it communicates in its marketing campaigns.<\/p>\n

For example, let\u2019s take a peek at one of Apple\u2019s YouTube videos that was part of the Inclusion & Diversity: Open marketing campaign. On YouTube alone, the video received almost two million views. This is an excellent indicator of how well the theme resonates with people, and shows that they want to see more of this kind of initiative.<\/p>\n