Communication and Teamwork - How It Affects a Multicultural Workplace

Communication and Teamwork, how it affects a multicultural workplace

To begin Webster (1994) defines communication as an act of transmitting or an exchange of information or opinions.

In any environment where teams are involved; communication is key. It's imperative that the main point or subject is being done in a manner commensurate with the team members involved. In everyday life communication with friends and love ones is accomplished openly, most of the time this is done face to face.

Effective communication can be stymied because what a person is saying gets miss-interpreted. Or the inflection in your voice was taken in such a way the person you were talking to was offended. Presentations can be presented with to much detail and unfocused conclusions. Levine (2007). The issues and or considerations we so cavalierly take for granted in face to face communication is intensified when working in an online environment. The one thing that must be adhered to is the correct passing along of information to include individual tasks for each team assigned. "At the executive level, not only is communication a much bigger part of your jobs, but your words also carry more weight." (Phoel, 2007, Communicate strategically, para. 4). The challenge in doing this is to remain clear and concise to what you are trying to communicate. Some of the benefits of doing this properly are:

• Ensure the proper dissemination of information

• Solidify the assigned tasks of each team member

• Facilitate all team assignments are completed on time

• Prescribe materials are understood by all team members

Poor communication however can foster ill feelings between teammates and jeopardize not only the success of the individual but the group as a whole.

In Stephen R Covey's book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (p237) He states "Communication is the most important skill in life. We spend most of our waking hours communicating." Covey goes on to state how we have spent years learning how to read and write, years learning how to speak. But what about listening? Convey,(1989) contends that if you want to interact effectively with another person or group for that matter, influence your spouse, child, neighbor, boss or coworker you first have to understand them. (Covey, 1989)

"The real key to your influence with me is your example, your actual conduct. Your example flows naturally out of your character, or kind of person you truly are-not what others say you are or what you may want me to think you are. It is evident in how I actually experience you. Your character is constantly radiating, communicating. From it, in the long run, I come to instinctively