Communication
skills development has always been an important factor of success in business,
but the influence of globalization and cross-cultural interaction in recent
decades has impacted the types of communication skills needed in dramatic ways.
No longer can entrepreneurs afford to simply communicate well within their own
homogenous cultures. Today, people need to understand the dynamics of
long-distance collaboration, the impact of culture on manners of speaking and
body language, and how to use technology to communicate with people on the
other side of the globe. Understanding the impact of globalization on each of
these factors can help you to select the most useful communication skills
development programs for yourself or your employees.
Virtual Interactions
Globalization
has introduced virtual communication and collaboration as a major part of
workplace dynamics. Modern entrepreneurs need to understand the strengths and
limitations of different communications media, and how to use each medium to
maximum effect. For example, communicating via email to distant team members
requires a certain etiquette and nuance not necessarily required in
face-to-face interactions. Holding virtual meetings requires a similar change
in approach, and people who are unaccustomed to communicating in groups in
virtual settings can find themselves lost, confused or unable to share their
input. When choosing a communication skills training program, look for courses
that address the challenges of virtual interactions.
Cultural Awareness in Speech
The
need for cultural awareness is a major impact of globalization on the required
skillset of effective communicators, resulting in the evolution of
communication skills development programs. Modern entrepreneurs and employees
need the ability to catch subtle nuances of people's manner of speech when
communicating across cultures. Even when two people are speaking the same
language, cultural differences can affect vocabulary, colloquial expressions,
voice tone and taboo topics. In Japanese business culture, for example, it can
be considered rude to ask personal questions in an initial business meeting. In
the U.S., on the other hand, asking personal questions and sharing personal information
can display warmth and openness. American and Japanese businesspeople who
understand this about each other can communicate in ways that resonate more
effectively with each other.
Cultural Awareness in Body Language
Awareness
of cultural differences in body language can be just as important as the
nuances of speech. Modern training programs teach students to understand
acceptable speaking distances, conflict styles, eye contact and posture in
different cultures, accepting that the physical expressions of their own
culture are not universally accepted. Look for training programs that address
these differences to prepare you for face-to-face meetings with foreign
suppliers, customers or team members.
Time Differences
The
advent of global collaboration introduces another new dynamic to communication
skills the need to communicate and share information with people across
several time zones. When people collaborate with others on the other side of
the globe, their counterparts are usually at home asleep while they themselves
are at work. Today's communication skills development programs should address
the nuances of overcoming this challenge by teaching people to understand the
information needs of their colleagues, according to the communication styles of
different countries or cultures. Being able to effectively share information
between shifts can make or break the productivity of a geographically dispersed
team, making this an important issue for many companies.
By Segesela Blandina
BAPRM 42663
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