Question

•Describe different forms of verbal and non-verbal communication impacted by cultures.

•Identify at least 3 problems associated with cross-cultural communication, and

• List 3 ways in which an organization can train people to effectively communicate cross-culturally.

Using both Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s and Hofstede’s models on variances, explain how cultures vary, and how the models may be used to recognize variances within one’s own work as a Los Angeles County Public Transportation Supervisor working in a very culturally diverse agency. Based on the assigned text book International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior 5th edition by Adler, Nancy, J

Answer 1

1. A culture could use both verbal as well as non verbal communication for the exchange of information from one party to another. Verbal communication is the one which is expressed through speaking by one person. Forms like interpersonal communication, intrapersonal communication, small group communication and large group communication are its types.

On the other hand, non verbal communication is a way in which people in a culture doesn't speak, they use different forms to communicate to others. Forms like eye contant, hand movements, touch, gestures, facial expressions like smile or cry could be used to communicate.

2. There could be variety of problems that could arise from cross cultural communication which are:

1. Language barriers is one of them. While communication through different cultures, language often becomes a barrier as people from different cultures speak different languages which are hard to understand.

2. Different meanings is another barrier. In many cultures words often mean differently. For example, in German culture gift means poison but for other cultures, gift means a present to someone. This could again create barriers.

3. Different customs are also performed in different cultures which could again become a barrier. For example, in US freedom to both men and women are equally important but in Saudi Arabia, women hide themselves in wearing a Burkha because it's in their custom which could create a barrier.

3. Management Practices could play a role in training effectively to the employees about the different Cultures:

1. By developing and establishing such kind of environment where people learn to respect every culture and respect different diversity present in the organisation.

2. Maintaining a code of conduct or ethics which helps the organisation to formally establish such ground rules about the equal treatment and inclusion of all diversity and inclusion.

3. At last, motivating, leading and training the employees by showing them videos, making them together involved in games, fests etc to make employees understand different cultures and work as one.