Improving communication to Improve Intercultural Proficiency in the Workplace

Having a workforce of interculturally competent people can result in the success of a company. Here are some ways in which a company can improve intercultural competence:

Seek training. This can help raise awareness, learn better intercultural communication, learn team building and conflict resolution.

Understand the value of differences. Having a diverse workforce helps with innovation.

Don't expect conformity. Differences are a positive attribute in the workforce

Learn about your cultural self. Realize that your culture is one among many. You might need to be tolerant of other cultures or they might need to be tolerant of your culture. It goes both ways.

Stop making assumptions. Don't assume that everyone thinks or acts like you.

Build on similarities. Find common ground with the people you're working with. Value your similarities but also value the differences.

These tips are found and explained in further detail in the Nelson Business Communication sixth Canadian edition text by Mary Ellen Guffey, Kathleen Rhodes, and Patricia Rogin.

By following these guidelines we can further develop our attitudes of intercultural competence and work efficiently as a team. By using these tips we can take advantage of the multiculturalism in the workplace and harness it towards improving intercultural proficiency.