Advantages of Communication in Today's Life
62
CHAPTER
3
Communicating in a World of Diversity
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this chapter, you will be able to
1 2 3 4
Discuss the opportunities and challenges of intercultural communication Define culture and explain how culture is learned Define ethnocentrism and stereotyping, then give three suggestions for overcoming these limiting mindsets Explain the importance of recognizing cultural variations and list eight categories of cultural differences
5 6 7
Identify the steps you can take to improve your intercultural communication skills Outline strategies for studying other cultures List seven recommendations for writing clearly in multilanguage business environments
COMMUNICATION CLOSE-UP AT IBM www.ibm.com The “I” in IBM stands for “International,” but it could just as easily stand for “Intercultural” as a testament to the computer giant’s long-standing commitment to embracing diversity. Ted Childs, IBM’s vice president of global workforce diversity, knows from years of experience that communicating successfully across cultures is no simple task, however—particularly in a company that employs more than 325,000 people and sells to customers in roughly 175 countries around the world. Language alone presents a formidable barrier to communication when you consider that IBM’s workforce speaks more than 165 languages, but language is just one of many elements that play a role in communication between cultures. Differences in age, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and economic status can all affect the communication process. Childs recognizes that these differences represent both a challenge and an opportunity, and a key part of his job is helping IBM executives and employees work together in a way that transforms their cultural differences into a critical business strength. As he
Ted Childs oversees IBM’s efforts to build competitive advantage by capitalizing on the benefits of a diverse workforce.
CHAPTER
3
Communicating in a World of Diversity
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this chapter, you will be able to
1 2 3 4
Discuss the opportunities and challenges of intercultural communication Define culture and explain how culture is learned Define ethnocentrism and stereotyping, then give three suggestions for overcoming these limiting mindsets Explain the importance of recognizing cultural variations and list eight categories of cultural differences
5 6 7
Identify the steps you can take to improve your intercultural communication skills Outline strategies for studying other cultures List seven recommendations for writing clearly in multilanguage business environments
COMMUNICATION CLOSE-UP AT IBM www.ibm.com The “I” in IBM stands for “International,” but it could just as easily stand for “Intercultural” as a testament to the computer giant’s long-standing commitment to embracing diversity. Ted Childs, IBM’s vice president of global workforce diversity, knows from years of experience that communicating successfully across cultures is no simple task, however—particularly in a company that employs more than 325,000 people and sells to customers in roughly 175 countries around the world. Language alone presents a formidable barrier to communication when you consider that IBM’s workforce speaks more than 165 languages, but language is just one of many elements that play a role in communication between cultures. Differences in age, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and economic status can all affect the communication process. Childs recognizes that these differences represent both a challenge and an opportunity, and a key part of his job is helping IBM executives and employees work together in a way that transforms their cultural differences into a critical business strength. As he
Ted Childs oversees IBM’s efforts to build competitive advantage by capitalizing on the benefits of a diverse workforce.