2 communicating in a global society “we all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry,...

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Communicating in a Global Society

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”

― Dr. Maya Angelou, American poet and civil rights

activist

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.

© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

After completing the chapter, you will be able to:

• Describe the global society.• Identify issues related to communicating in a

global society.• Describe barriers to communication related to

a diverse workplace.• Identify areas in which sensitivity is required

in a diverse workplace.• Explain factors to consider for ethical

communication.



Global Workplace

• The ability for worldwide communication and movement has created a global society in which goods and services are bought and sold both inside and outside of the country of origin.



• We live in a global society.– Goods and services are bought and sold both

inside and outside of the country of origin.– People of all cultures travel to other countries

and become part of the workforce there, creating a global workplace.

– Companies based in other countries, such as an Asian or European car manufacturer, move to the United States to open plants and hire American workers.

Global Workplace



Global Workplace1.What is a global society?

2.When would an American worker working in a business on American soil need to learn the customs of another country?




• Communication in the global workplace– be aware of customs and tradition– find out behaviors that are considered

offensive and avoid them– watch body language



• Verbal communication– Enunciate—clearly pronounce words– Speak slowly enough to be understood.

• separate questions• learn to listen• avoid yes or no questions• check for meaning• write it down• be supportive of others• avoid slang• check your humor• be polite




• Written communication– Be aware that words or phrases might

translate differently and cause confusion.– Follow rules outlined for verbal

communication. – Avoid words that might be misinterpreted.– Avoid words that might be difficult for

someone of another culture to understand.




• Nonverbal communication– Know what is accepted when touch, space,

and body language are involved.– Be aware of customs and traditions of those

with whom you interact. Be sure to understand what is expected.




• Communication tips




Communicating in a Global Society1.What is enunciation?

2.What is the date format used in most countries other than the US?

3.Why is nonverbal communication an especially sensitive area when communicating with those from other countries?



Overcoming Barriers

• Body language• Spoken language• Stereotypes• Interpretation of time• Personal space



• Body language– Be aware of what nonverbal communication

conveys• eye contact• shaking hands• bowing • how you hold your body (walking, standing,

sitting)

Overcoming Barriers



• Spoken language– Language barriers exist between regions in a

country.– Language barriers exist between cultures.

• English may be a second language.• Be patient in conversations.• Make sure everyone understands what is being

said.

Overcoming Barriers



• Classifying or generalizing about a group of people with a given set of characteristics is stereotyping.– gender, religion, ethnic group– not acceptable behavior

Overcoming Barriers



• Interpretation of time – Understand the meaning of time when

communicating with other cultures.– Plan accordingly.

• Personal space – the area around you that you feel is your own– varies from person to person and culture to

culture

Overcoming Barriers



Overcoming Barriers1.List five areas in which barriers to

communication may occur when communicating with those from other cultures.

2.What is nonverbal communication?

3.In the US, what is a typical personal space for having a conversation?



Diversity in the Workplace

• Diversity means that we are all different in our own way, coming together to share and create a dynamic workplace.

• Workers in the United States come from different types of families, educational backgrounds, and even countries.• melting pot is cultures blending together• salad bowl is a mixture of identifiable cultures



Diversity in the Workplace

• Culture is shared beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior of a group or nation.

• Intercultural differences are a mix of values, attitudes, and perceptions from various cultures.

• Gender gap is closed by women and men working together.

• Age gap is closed by people of all ages working together.

• People with disabilities are integrated in the workforce.



Diversity in the Workplace1.What is the difference between America as

a melting pot and America as a salad bowl?

2.Define diversity.

3.What is culture?



Ethical Communication

• Ethics are the principles of what is right and wrong that help people make decisions

• When creating documents ask:– Has confidentiality been honored?– Has privacy of the company been protected?– Is the information presented factual and

honest?– Has appropriate credit been given to

contributors?– Has copyrighted material been used

appropriately?



Ethical Communication

• Copyright law



Ethical Communication1.What are ethics?

2.What is the difference between copyright and fair use?



• In a global society, goods and services

are bought and sold both inside and outside the country of origin.

• Be patient when verbally communicating with somebody whose native language is not the same as yours.

• Workers and managers must learn to handle barriers to communication that might arise so they can effectively communicate in the workplace.



• Diversity means we are different in our own way, coming together to share and create a dynamic workplace.

• Ethics are the principle of what is right and wrong that help people make decisions.

2 communicating in a global society “we all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry,...

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