COMMUNICATION
BARRIERS HOW TO OVERCOME THEM
THE HUMAN ELEMENT
Different types of communication barriers, like
language, cultural and interpersonal barriers,
can be overcome or mediated; however, we shouldn’t
assume
responsibility
to
that
it's
seamlessly
the
employee's
adapt
to
the
workplace. It requires the organizations’ efforts to help the individuals break down these barriers.
1. Run meetings to expose your employees to other cultures Introducing
employees
together
in
a
term.
peaceful
who
will
non-threatening
be
working
environment
enables a good working relationship for the long A
environment
will
promote
learning about each other’s cultures, languages, rules,
and
norms
for
establishing
better
communication. It also helps prepare employees
to deal with cross-cultural challenges as they arise. Changing preconceptions can lead to more conducive working relationships.
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2. Conduct activities to demonstrate how dependent we are on language
For example, dedicate a day to being silent. Have each employee develop a contract stating what they hope to learn, how long they will
remain silent (what exceptions can be made) and how they plan to cope without speaking all day.
After
experiencing
a
day
with
limited
communication, participants can typically relate to being in a foreign environment more easily.
3. Provide workshops, tips and techniques for communicating effectively in crosscultural work environments
People act according to the values of their own culture.
Others
from
another
culture
might
active
listening
(paraphrasing
interpret behavior differently. Practicing such strategies
as
what is said to ensure understanding can be achieved)
and
using
multiple
forms
of
communication, such as written, audio & visual,
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can enhance employee involvement in assuring
that conflicts do not arise because of cultural misunderstandings due to lack of awareness.
4. Coach employees to mediate conflicts related to cultural misunderstandings
Provide opportunities for employees to respond
to situations from viewpoints different than their own. Divide a group of people into pairs to conduct
role-playing
exercises
that
allow
participants to acknowledge cultural differences exist. Encourage each pair to think about a
conflict they have experienced recently due to cultural
describe
differences. what
they
Have
might
each
find
participant
offensive
or
unusual. Let each participant suggest how the problem would be handled in their own culture. Together,
have
the
participants
develop
a
resolution to the problem. Have each pair report to the larger group on their experiences.
For more about this topic, download our latest book "Cultural and Language Barriers of Communication in the Workplace" for FREE.
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THE HUMAN ELEMENT