Enhancing Effective Communication in Organizations

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Conclusion

There are many ways to enhance effective communication in organizations. I just mention two parts of it. To overcome language difficulties and to use effective nonverbal behaviors. And it can be enhanced by clarity of message, use of appropriate language, observing appropriate timing, active listening, asking questions, observing non-verbal actions or reactions, considering the type of audience. There is a article about How are MNCs training Americans to Work overseas. The authors recommend three characteristics for effective cross-cultural programs: 1. They should be considered “a necessity, not a luxury…. Training costs are small compared to the potential costs of early returns or business losses due to the lack of cross-cultural competency.” 2. They should be “a family affair….to counteract spouse and family adjustment problems.” 3. They must be experiential, participative, and behavioral—using teaching methods such as simulations, field trips, and role plays, and avoiding “dog and pony” shows. And just keep in mind the following point: 1. Read about and discuss the culture before you go. 2. Listen, react, and interpret the culture while you are there. 3. Imitate group members to learn by example, especially for nonverbal communication. 4. Try to maintain an open attitude and respect. Effective communication helps individuals to clarify ideas, correct misconceptions, share experiences, reduce stress and provide feedback for improvement. One needs to internalize this skill in order to be able to overcome his/her inhibitions and maintain healthy social relationships

Resources and References

D. Ricks, Big Business Blunders (Homewood, Ill.: Dow Jones-Irwin, 1983).

M. Knapp, Essentials of Nonverbal Communication (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1980)

Piece by Edward G. Wertheim, Ph.D. about the communication process and how managers can make constructive and effective feedback to workers. (Northeastern University)

Covers a variety of nonverbal communication methods, including signals used to control conversation and convey personality and status. (Changing Minds)

Learn about various nonverbal message clusters that indicate things such as aggression, attention, boredom, defensiveness, and attraction. (Changing Minds)

Overview of the different categories of nonverbal communication, along with a detailed list of signals. (Adam Blatner, M.D.)

Guide to body language and nonverbal communication, particularly as it applies to the workplace. (MindTools)

J. Stewart Black and Mark Mendenhall, “Cross-Cultural Training Effectiveness: A Review and a Theoretical Framework for Future Research,” Academy of Management Review, 15, 1 (1990), pp. 113-136

“A Practical But Theory-based Framework for Selecting Cross-Cultural Training Methods.” Human Resource Management, Winter 1989, pp. 511-539