This book provides a qualitative analysis of the process of consultancy, to prove how intercultural communication can solve issues rising from multiculturalism in organizations and policymaking. Experts in intercultural consultancy examine 12 different cases from real situations, focusing on interviews with clients and the way advice is presented and discussed with them, and on collected data and the process by which it is gathered. The book proves how the mechanisms of intercultural communication can be used to foster respectful relationships between people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds and contribute to the success of the project or organization in question. This book will be a key resource for scholars and students involved in intercultural communication, management, and consultancy, as well as professionals that are confronted in their work with diversity and would like to know more about intercultural consultancy. Additional questions for discussion and readings are available as e-resources on the Routledge Website.
Given the importance of cross-cultural competence, it is important that scholars from different parts of the world describe the conceptual frameworks underlying their cultures to provide people with knowledge helpful for understanding and navigating cultural barriers and promoting harmony and productivity in places of work. The literature is replete with reference points for understanding Eurocentric worldviews. Little has been written about non-Eurocentric worldviews with respect to the subject of socio-cultural harmony and interpersonal relations such as Ubuntu, Africa’s indigenous philosophy and its relevancy. This philosophy teaches the importance of maintaining good human relations and sensitivity to the wellbeing of other people both as individuals and collectively. In the teachings of this African conceptual framework, the wellbeing of others is more important than that of self. Another important distinguishing feature of Ubuntu is that it places great value on communalism as opposed to individualism. The tenets of Ubuntu include human-centeredness, teamwork, collaboration, cooperation, respect for diversity of opinion, and joint consideration of problems. These tenets can be applied for intercultural competence and communications. Understanding Ubuntu for Enhancing Intercultural Communications sheds some light on Ubuntu, Africa’s unique philosophy, and explores how the knowledge of Ubuntu can help minimize cross-cultural communication barriers. Within this context, the chapters work to make readers aware of the existence of an African worldview, specifically Ubuntu, and its possible contribution to interpersonal communication. This book also shares the lived experiences of being born and raised in sub-Saharan Africa where Ubuntu is a way of life. This book is essential for businesses seeking to expand internationally and managers overseeing diverse workforces as well as business executives, government officials, public relations officers, academicians, researchers, and students including those studying African studies, world religions, international business, international relations, management, communication, and more.
This book brings together principles and new theories in intercultural communication in a concise and practical manner, focusing on communication as the foundation for management and global leadership. Grounded in the Cultural Intelligence Model, this compact text examines the concepts associated with understanding culture and communication in the global business environment to help readers: • Understand intercultural communication processes. • Improve self-awareness and communication in intercultural settings. • Expand skills in identifying, analyzing, and solving intercultural communication challenges at work. • Evaluate whether one’s communication has been effective. Richly illustrated with examples, activities, real-world applications, and recent case studies that make the content come alive, Intercultural Communication for Global Business is an ideal companion for any business student or manager dedicated to communicating more effectively in a globalized society.
Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace, 5e by Beamer and Varner addresses the issues of culture and communication within the context of international business. The text provides examples of how cultural values and practices impact business communication. The authors explore the relationships among the cultural environments of the firm and the structure of the firm. They examine how companies and individuals communicate, and concentrate on the underlying cultural reasons for behavior.
Bringing together current research, theories and methods from leading scholars in the field, this volume is a state-of-the-art study of intercultural communication competence and effectiveness. In the first part, contributors analyze the conceptual decisions made in intercultural communication competence research by examining decisions regarding conceptualization, operationalization, research design and sampling. The second part presents four different theoretical orientations while illustrating how each person's theoretical bias directs the focus of research. Lastly, both quantitative and qualitative research approaches used in studying intercultural communication competence are examined.
From language classrooms to outdoor markets, the workplace is fundamental to socialisation. It is not only a site of employment where money is made and institutional roles are enacted through various forms of discourse; it is also a location where people engage in social actions and practices. The workplace is an interesting research site because of advances in communication technology, cheaper and greater options for travel, and global migration and immigration. Work now requires people to travel over great geographical distances, communicate with cultural ‘others’ located in different time zones, relocate to different regions or countries, and conduct business in online settings. The workplace is thus changing and evolving, creating new and emerging communicative contexts. This volume provides a greater understanding of workplace cultures, particularly the ways in which working in highly interconnected and multicultural societies shape language and intercultural communication. The chapters focus on critical approaches to theory and practice, in particular how practice is used to shape theory. They also question the validity and universality of existing models. Some of the predominant models in intercultural communication have been criticised for being Eurocentric or Anglocentric, and this volume proposes alternative frameworks for analysing intercultural communication in the workplace. This book was originally published as a special issue of Language and Intercultural Communication.
This book addresses one of the most critical issues facing global business leaders and the multicultural workforce – how to work and relate effectively in the intercultural contexts. The author presents business professionals, practitioners and academics with the Collaborative Intercultural Competence Model. Based on solid theoretical assumptions and real intercultural experiences, this model is to help professionals work more effectively across and within cultures. This book expands the traditional presentation of existing knowledge by providing a unified discussion of intercultural communication and its conceptual foundations. The book offers readers with a contemporary insight into the intercultural competence phenomenon and highlights the basis for its experience-based inquiry, assessment and development. A distinctive feature of Intercultural Competence in Organizations is its comprehensive coverage of the intercultural competence framework from both communication and organizational behavior perspectives. This book does not cover traditional areas of international business, international management, global management strategy and policy and cross-cultural comparative management, but focuses on theoretical foundations of intercultural competence and intercultural competence research and practice. The author describes the complex nature of intercultural competence in a straightforward format which helps professionals, practitioners and students to envision a variety of intercultural situations in which they may behave competently. Thus, the conceptual acumen of this title is to understand the premises of intercultural competence, embrace its theoretical assumptions, see its practical applicability, and advance individual intercultural competence. Featuring examples and skill development exercises, this book will be appealing to professionals, practitioners, students, academics and policy makers in the field of international business, management and communication. “Dr. Matveev challenges his readers to develop their intercultural competence so as to make themselves more effective, more humane and more socially skilled in a world that increasingly involves extensive contact across various groups of people.” --from the Foreword by Richard W. Brislin, University of Hawaii “Dr. Matveev creates an awareness of intercultural competence by exposing the reader to the theoretical concepts and practical tools. Business people and academics will use this book to recognize and leverage the benefits of cultural diversity.” --Berthold Mukuahima, Director of Human Capital, Ohlthaver & List Group, Namibia “Dr. Matveev reveals how intercultural competence of professional multicultural teams helps in achieving corporate competitive advantage and longevity in a challenging globalized world. This book is very useful for managers, scholars and students who want to elevate the efficacy of intercultural relationship in their professional and personal lives.” --Srečko Čebron, Management Board Member, Sava Reinsurance Company, Slovenia /div
An Introduction to Intercultural Communication equips students with the knowledge and skills to be competent and confident intercultural communicators. Best-selling author Fred E. Jandt guides readers through key concepts and helps them connect intercultural competence to their own life experiences in order to enhance understanding. Employing his signature accessible writing style, Jandt presents balanced, up-to-date content in a way that readers find interesting and thought-provoking. The Tenth Edition gives increased attention to contemporary social issues in today’s global community such as gender identifications, social class identity, and immigration and refugees. Included with this title: The password-protected Instructor Resource Site (formally known as SAGE Edge) offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.
In the 21st century, effective leadership can be defined partially as having an ability to adapt and persevere in various cross-cultural environments. Concurrently, in an increasingly globalized environment, leadership requires a keen capacity for understanding and utilizing cultural diversity to build successful organizations. Contemporary Leadership and Intercultural Competence is a breakthrough text that features contributing chapters from some of the world′s leading scholars in the field of cross-cultural leadership. The book comprises 20 chapters that examine the evolving role of cultural diversity in the workplace, the application of cultural comprehension to organizations, and the measurement of various aspects of intercultural competence. Key Features A unique blend of theory and practical applications Several breakthrough, first-of-their-kind chapters on topics such as leadership assessments that measure parameters of intercultural competence, the legal implications of cross-cultural leadership and trade, and the development and implementation of a multicultural vision A plethora of modern examples that provide an accurate description of the contemporary landscape within organizations Invigorating discussion questions at the conclusion of every chapter that engage students Intended Audience Contemporary Leadership and Intercultural Competence is an excellent text for graduate-level courses in Organizational Development, Organizational Behavior, Leadership Theory, Cross-Cultural Management, International Business, Human Resource Management, Educational Leadership, and Public Administration. The book will be of great interest to students, senior managers, cross-cultural management consultants, government leaders, and human resource practitioners.
Modern-day business leaders need to manage diverse global organisations and teams that work in international contexts. This text will assist organisations of all types to manage diversity and promote inclusion in their national and international operations and markets.
