Author
Batta, N. W.
Abstract
The paper highlighted the role of communication in the growth of the global workplace and
revealed many benefits of the global workforce among which are fostering deeper
connections among customers and employees, leveraging on cultural differences to better
understand customers in countries outside an organization's core business. It also brought to
bear pertinent issues such as the need to effectively incorporate communication
technologies, address cultural diversity as well as adopt effective cross-cultural
communication styles. Challenges that workers in the global workplace grapple with such as
stereotypical perceptions, language barriers, technological dependencies, and limited face-to-face interactions were also identified in the paper. Consequently, the paper advocated the
need to be well equipped with communication skills such as defining clear roles and
responsibilities, establishing clear channels of communication as well as leveraging
technology to surmount these challenges and survive in the multicultural global workplace.
The paper adopted the Communication Accommodation Theory which emphasizes the
tendency of humans to adjust their behavior while interacting (communicating).
Keywords
Global workforce, Communication, Globalization, Cultural Diversity, Organizational communication
Introduction
When in (1998) Townsend and his colleagues wrote on Virtual Teams: Technology and the
Workplace of the Future, they were foretelling the global workplace. According to them, a
group of technologies including desktop, video conferencing, collaborative software, and
internet/intranet systems will converge to forge the foundation of a new workplace. This new
workplace will be unrestrained by geography, time, and organizational boundaries; it will be
a virtual workplace where productivity, flexibility, and collaboration will reach
unprecedented levels. The global workforce is becoming increasingly prevalent due to this
potential.
Content
There is no gain saying the fact that global workspaces are brought about by
globalization. Globalization is described by Tomlinson (1997) cited in Miller (2006) as the
rapidly developing processes of complex connections between societies, cultures,
institutions, and individuals. Changes in business practices, development of modernization programs to help meet new challenges, and liberalization of markets, are in Miller's (2006) view, the outcomes of globalization.
Further, the nature of work has undergone a transformative shift, transcending
geographical boundaries and cultural landscapes. The advent of a global workspace has
brought about a paradigmatic change in the way communication is perceived and practiced
within organizations. As the multifaceted realm of organizational communication is
considered, the scholarly works of Antos (2011), Cheney (2011), and Keyton (2010, 2011)
provide a rich foundation for understanding the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics, the
impact of globalization, and the role of communication in shaping an organizational culture
of the global workspace.
Moreover, the organizational communication landscape within a global framework
is intricately discussed by scholars such as Cheney (2011) and Canary (2011). The issues and
reflections presented in these works shed light on the evolving nature of communication
structures and practices, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a nuanced understanding
of cultural contexts. Keyton's (2010, 2011) invaluable insights, presented in case studies and
discussions on organizational culture, offer a lens through which we can examine real-world
scenarios and their implications for communication strategies in a global workspace. As we
navigate the complexities of modern organizational dynamics, Keyton's work becomes an
essential resource for unraveling the multifaceted interplay between communication
practices and the development of organizational culture.
Conclusion
The conclusion can be found in the main file..
References
References are available in the main file..