Intercultural Communication Issues free essay sample

In today’s workforce a person will be able to see a very diverse crowd, including employees, supervisors and managers. Diversity is having different sorts of cultures, nationalities and genders mixed together. Unfortunately, there are barriers in which may cause problems among the workers including language as a communication issue. We will write a custom essay sample on Intercultural Communication Issues or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Although English may be the language all of the employees speak, this can lead to an intercultural communication issue due to the fact of the cultural differences. It is a know fact that Hispanics make up more than half of North America’s population. Within this paper, I will give examples of how language can cause communication breakdowns by providing examples. My hypothesis will demonstrate how communication is a vital part of a successful workplace. Literature Review Description of Communication Issue Being from Mexican American decent, I am fully aware of discrimination towards my culture in the working environment. Fortunately, I do not fit the typical look, so I can blend in well, but I can also hear the cruelness some people have towards my culture and language being a communication issue. The following is an example, in which I have experienced that is how language can be a communication issue. Working for a major hospital in the early 2000’s, in my first real diverse working environment, I was exposed to different levels of employees, I also worked with inters, one of which, Monica was studying to be a doctor, and had an internship with the department in which I worked. The Development Office, in charge of fundraising, was going to teach Monica the importance of donors and how much their donations help the hospital. Monica, being from Mexico was answering phones during the holiday season, in which she was answering them the best way she new how, â€Å"Merry Christmas, this is Monica how can I help you? † Some would say that nothing is wrong with her greeting, yet there were complaints due to the fact that her greeting offended some callers. The saying needed to be deleted out of her greeting period, to â€Å"Thank you for calling, this is Monica. † This is an example of how her culture background intertwined with language caused an issue with others. Situation Outcome Some ramifications of her seemed harmless greeting, was that the hospital could have forfeited some large donations due to the fact that they were offended by her greeting either by religious beliefs or personal beliefs. It is important to note that within such a vital department, methods and training should be taught to new employees. It was such a small part of the office because everyone assumed that she would do well because she understood the language. Monica’s rich culture and background had people questioning her capabilities from this issue, in which led to making her feel uncomfortable as she questioned her teachings. Yet, with reassurance, Monica was able to learn how not everyone communicates well within the same language due to intercultural communication issues. Methodology Data Through secondary data analysis, I have researched cultural differences between the intercultural communication issues between the American culture and the Mexican culture in determining the cause of the communication issues. This data analysis has helped me form my hypothesis. Hypothesis Based on my research, I have concluded the following: Differences in cultural beliefs can create cultural differences and cause a communication breakdown. Interpretation Research In order to prove my hypothesis, I have been able to research the cultural norms within the Mexican culture in which caused a breakdown in communication in the American culture of today’s world. I will examine the Mexican culture and their religious beliefs and then conclude with the sensitivity of American culture. Roman Catholicism is the dominate religion in Mexico (Ingham, 1986). The Mexican culture and significant religious rituals are determined by the Catholic calendar. Ingham goes on to state that Christmas, Jesus’ birthday, is celebrated by all and included attending a midnight mass (1986). Religion plays a large role in the upbringing of children, including rituals, in which include the Christmas holiday. Due to the fact that a large diversified hospital does not only consist of diverse employees, but also diverse patients, visitors and donors. It is important to recognize and be sensitive towards the different cultures and the different beliefs. Political correctness is constantly changing, and yet is based on â€Å"how much the politically correct people think they can get away with† (2007). The American culture has to support itself with being politically correct do to the fact that there is so much diversity here. Political correctness has many infuriated, including the Catholic Church, due to the fact of basically erasing traditions, including the Christmas holiday. Saying â€Å"Happy Holiday’s† has now become the cultural norm due to the fact of saying â€Å"Merry Christmas† offends others of which do not have the same beliefs or those who have no beliefs. Solutions There has been much debate on how far is too far when it comes to being politically correct. Fortunately, there has been rules and policies in place which there are very carefully worded phrases in which is careful as to not offend anyone. Having set rules and policies has kept many in a safe zone with others. It was important to share with Monica, that although there was nothing wrong with what she was saying, that we also had to be careful of others and their interpretations. Being part of the Development Office, and having most of the hospital funds donated, it was reiterated that it was important to be sensitive to others and careful not to offend. It was also important that Monica understood how â€Å"Happy Holiday’s† is a cheerful expression to everyone during the holiday season. Conclusion It is important to note that even though English is the common language, what is said can be misinterpreted and cause communication issues. Monica, a Mexican American, was expressing her cheerful holiday beliefs with every phone call she answered; this needed to be corrected due to the fact that not everyone shares the same beliefs. The consequences of her actions could have been catastrophic, yet the issue was addressed. Stating the reasoning and policies of the hospital was able to explain to Monica the reasoning behind the decision of not offending callers. Based on my research, I have found the reasoning of why the issue of political correctness is used in American culture. America is rich in many cultures, and yet it is important to not only acknowledge one. It is important that everyone be able to celebrate what they believe and the importance of not pushing your beliefs on others. There are many against being politically correct, yet it is a safety net and cover not to offend anyone. Being successful and having a successful business in America, it is vital to not let intercultural communication issues arise, and know that there are policies to help keep every culture happy.