The Global Diversity Desk Reference: Managing an International Workforce

3.4. JUDGING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATION

Beyond developing cross-cultural competence at an individual level, communicating effectively in a global arena requires attention to the three Ps of organizational functioning—practices, procedures, and policies (see the model) regarding communication. Practices encompass the behaviors of managers in cross-cultural interactions and the national, corporate, and personal norms that govern interpersonal relations. Can managers shift styles to deal with a range of differences among multinational employees? Are staff members knowledgeable about civilizational and national differences influencing communication? Are managers and employees fluent in the languages needed to conduct business with ...