Australia has a very multicultural society which means that intercultural communication is more important now than ever. In workplaces and peer groups understanding intercultural communication is significant to help understand and communicate with each other especially if you are from different cultural backgrounds and working together in a team. Understanding intercultural communication “enhances teamwork, as colleagues respect one another’s cultural background, unique talents, and capabilities.” (The Classroom, n.d.). It is often stereotyped that those who come from different cultural background to western culture are less than however, they often have valuable knowledge that can improve the team and help it prosper. If you are working in a team looking for global outreach members with different cultural backgrounds can often give great insight into how your project may be received in different areas of the world. It is important for all employees to understand how one another communicates, for instance, a migrant from India can have a different “pattern of communication is varied and their concept of formality and informality is different.” (Kegeyan, 2016). Westerners are very informal in the way we speak and communicate with each other compared to Asian cultures for example. We often use first names or informal names to address a boss or supervisor however this can be seen as informal and sometimes disrespectful. Ensuring we understand why they may find this disrespectful and ensuring that you address this cultural barrier as it can hinder productivity and overall outcome in a group. Having each member of the team or group understand one another allows for greater morale to form and promote positive communication between all people. It also provides more information to each individual of other cultures, therefore, increasing their knowledge. Intercultural communication also helps with communication skills on a whole, being able to communicate with someone of different background can help with being more open to other people ideas and beliefs as well as challenging your own beliefs and ideals. In summary, everyone working within a team or group environment can benefit from positive intercultural communication and including each by expanding their knowledge and understanding of one another through communication.
Kegeyan, S.E. (2016, September 2). Intercultural communication in the workplace and the role of communication in an organisation. Retrieved from [ http://scipro.ru/article/03-02-16]
The Classroom. ( n.d.). The Advantages of Intercultural Communication. Retrieved from [ https://www.theclassroom.com/advantages-intercultural-communication-12066503.html]
UK Essays. (2018, April 5). Intercultural communication Advantages and Disadvantages. Retrieved from [ https://www.ukessays.com/essays/psychology/intercultural-communication-advantages-6849.php]
Published by Temarah Smith
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