Which of the following would be the MOST useful strategy for learning to communicate effectively with international employees working in your overseas divisions?
a) Devote time to learning the rules for communicating with people from each of the countries you will be interacting with.
b) Choose managers for overseas divisions who are white, middle-class males. That way you eliminate much of the problem of intercultural communication because the people you’ll deal with most often will still be from your own culture.
c) Arrange to meet in person with your international employees. Then you can rely on nonverbal signals to communicate effectively.
d) Be aware that both you and your international employees are influenced by your native cultures. Awareness of the values, beliefs, and practices in other cultures will help you communicate more effectively.
Well, I can confidently say the correct answer is NOT (B). I don't believe (A) is correct either. The problem I have with (C) is that 'nonverbal signals' can be misinterpreted within different cultures. So is (D) the correct answer?
Sounds like D is best to me.
Yes, you are correct in eliminating option (B) as a useful strategy for effective communication with international employees. This option promotes a lack of diversity and does not address the importance of intercultural communication skills.
Regarding option (A), devoting time to learning the rules for communicating with people from different countries can be helpful. Understanding and respecting cultural differences can facilitate effective communication. However, it may not be the most comprehensive strategy on its own.
Option (C) suggests relying on nonverbal signals when meeting in person. While nonverbal communication plays a role in communication, it should not be solely relied upon, as nonverbal cues can vary across cultures and lead to misunderstandings.
Option (D) seems to be the most appropriate answer. Being aware of your own cultural influences as well as the values, beliefs, and practices of other cultures is crucial for effective communication. By having this awareness, you can adapt your communication style, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and bridge potential gaps in understanding.
In summary, option (D) is the most useful strategy for learning to communicate effectively with international employees working in overseas divisions.