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Intercultural Communication

University of Phoenix

Cultural Diversity

SOC 315

Intercultural Communication in the Workplace Paper

Instructor:

Introduction

Businesses are facing many challenges today trying to ensure that diversity in their workplace is not a source of conflict, but a foundation of strength. The environment is constantly changing in the workplace. The employer’s needs change and so does the workers. In great deal of companies there are employees, from many different cultures, that speak different languages and practice different religions. While it is the company’s responsibility to ensure that the environment is comfortable for their employees, it is important for other employees to play a role in helping to make a diverse environment a comfortable one as well.
"If man is to survive, he will have learned to take a delight in the essentials differences between men and between cultures. He will learn that differences in ideas and attitudes are a delight, part of life's exciting variety, not something to fear" (Rodenberry, n.d., & Para; 9).
Many situations occur in intercultural workplaces that rely upon good communication. The method of communication can cause conflicts among coworkers. Understanding differences among coworkers of various cultures is a key element to success in the workplace.
One workplace scenario concerns religious beliefs. Rodney and Gregory had an important project due by noon Saturday. By Friday afternoon, the majority of the project was complete. Rodney and Gregory estimated several more hours of work were necessary. Rodney religious beliefs, from an Arab culture, did not allow him to work that Friday evening to Saturday evening. Gregory finished the assignment himself and listed only his name on the project.
This scenario concerns Rodney and Gregory as the principle players, but the organization suffers. When Gregory completed the project without Rodney's input, Rodney’s knowledge was not used. Valuable...