Introduction Cultural differences are common in the workplace. Many international companies are spreading their territory to involve operating sites in the United States. Due to the increase of foreign companies being placed in the U.S., many workplaces have increased cultural diversity. For example, close to 300 Japanese companies now operate in the United States, specifically in Michigan (Adler, 2013). With these changes and the expansion of international individuals in the working world of the U.S., the modern day workplace can include some unfortunate patterns, such as stereotyping and miscommunication. Unfortunately, all to often, it is no surprise that employees are labeled with unfair, and most of the time, illegitimate stereotypes.
…show more content…
Typically, people use stereotypes as an excuse to justify dishonorable behavior like poor communication. If all the blame can be placed on the other party due cultural misunderstandings, then the person making generalized assumptions is not to blame. However, that mentality is false. An example of poor communication in the workplace, due to cultural differences and assumed stereotypes, is seen in the Cross Cultural Communication video by Learning Communications. Viewers are introduced to the story between a British engineer, Terry Jones, and two Hispanic managers, Miguel and Carlos, on a construction site. As the story unfolds, much confusion and miscommunication takes place between these three. Terry shows grave disrespect and pushes her "Latin American" stereotypes onto Carlos and Miguel. In her tone of voice and choice of words, it seems that she thinks they are lazy and disregard instruction due to their ethnicity. Of course, this is not true about them. However, as Carlos suggests, Hispanic culture is a culture that does not engage in confrontational conversations with people in authority on a regular basis, therefore, they do not speak up when necessary and it encourages Terry to take certain arbitrary liberties. Even though Terry pushes certain respectful …show more content…
Furthermore, after associates acknowledge each other’s backgrounds, communication will improve. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, communication is defined as “the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else.” When respect of each other’s culture and healthy communication are involved in the workplace, unity, peace, and productivity will occur. In the case of Terry, Carlos, and Miguel, Terry should have inquired of Carlos and Miguel in a respectful manner, giving them the chance to respond before making assumptions of their work ethic and demanding things to be handled the way she preferred. She should have addressed them on their level. Equally, Carlos and Miguel should not have allowed Terry to steamroll over them simply due to their culture’s view of authority and manners. They should have spoken up to explain their attempts at resolving the hiccups. According to Doctor Victor William Harris in his online publication on 9 Important Communication Skills for Every Relationship, he addresses helpful tools in relating to others. For instance, for someone to grow in their communication they must first be open to applying some dos and don’ts. Among some of the don’ts are criticism, contempt, and defensiveness. Among some of
Typically, people use stereotypes as an excuse to justify dishonorable behavior like poor communication. If all the blame can be placed on the other party due cultural misunderstandings, then the person making generalized assumptions is not to blame. However, that mentality is false. An example of poor communication in the workplace, due to cultural differences and assumed stereotypes, is seen in the Cross Cultural Communication video by Learning Communications. Viewers are introduced to the story between a British engineer, Terry Jones, and two Hispanic managers, Miguel and Carlos, on a construction site. As the story unfolds, much confusion and miscommunication takes place between these three. Terry shows grave disrespect and pushes her "Latin American" stereotypes onto Carlos and Miguel. In her tone of voice and choice of words, it seems that she thinks they are lazy and disregard instruction due to their ethnicity. Of course, this is not true about them. However, as Carlos suggests, Hispanic culture is a culture that does not engage in confrontational conversations with people in authority on a regular basis, therefore, they do not speak up when necessary and it encourages Terry to take certain arbitrary liberties. Even though Terry pushes certain respectful …show more content…
Furthermore, after associates acknowledge each other’s backgrounds, communication will improve. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, communication is defined as “the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else.” When respect of each other’s culture and healthy communication are involved in the workplace, unity, peace, and productivity will occur. In the case of Terry, Carlos, and Miguel, Terry should have inquired of Carlos and Miguel in a respectful manner, giving them the chance to respond before making assumptions of their work ethic and demanding things to be handled the way she preferred. She should have addressed them on their level. Equally, Carlos and Miguel should not have allowed Terry to steamroll over them simply due to their culture’s view of authority and manners. They should have spoken up to explain their attempts at resolving the hiccups. According to Doctor Victor William Harris in his online publication on 9 Important Communication Skills for Every Relationship, he addresses helpful tools in relating to others. For instance, for someone to grow in their communication they must first be open to applying some dos and don’ts. Among some of the don’ts are criticism, contempt, and defensiveness. Among some of