Cross-cultural Communication Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Cross-cultural Communication - Research Paper Example .......................................3 2.0 Literature Review ..........................................................................................5 2.1 Cross cultural communication and conflicts............................................ 6 2.2 Types of communication styles................................................................ 7 2.2.1. Direct v indirect communication style............................................. 7 2.2.2 Attached v detached communication style ........................................7 2.2.3 Concrete v abstract communication style......................................... 8 2.3 Other aspects of communication................................................................ 8 2.4. Conflicts in the workplaces .......................................................................8 3.0 Research methodology ......................................................................................11 4.0 Research findings and discussions....................... .............................................. 12 5.0 Recommendations and conclusion..................................................................... 14 References ................................................................................................................15 1.0 Introduction Cross-cultural communication is a relatively new phrase that has gained global attention because of increased interaction of people from different cultural backgrounds. In the recent past globalization has produced better and faster methods of transportation that have improved movement of people across different regions in the world. In addition, fast and more efficient methods of communication through electronic and information technology has opened wider avenues for interaction between people of different cultures without the need of physical movement. Currently, most workplaces are multicultural, and this has created the need for establishing a favourable environment to promote good wo rking relations between the employees. In this respect, cross-cultural communication is important in order to develop, nurture, and improve relationships between employees from diverse cultural backgrounds (Tung, 1993: 357). However, Adler (1997: 31) notes that all communication is cultural irrespective of the background of the communicators. Cultural diversity in any organization could be both beneficial and detrimental to its performance. One of the major benefits of diversity in workplaces is that it provides an organization with a wide range of skills and human resources; however, it could cause conflicts that jeopardize the spirit of teamwork in an organization. This research paper investigated conflict and violence among employees in Ovine Medical centre, medium multicultural and imaginary healthcare facility in Singapore. 1.1 Objectives of the study The objective of this paper was to investigate i. Conflict and violence between employees at Ovine medical centre ii. Determine the effects of conflicts and violence on their performance and productivity iii. Establish the effect of cross-cultural communication on the customer satisfaction and retention in the medical facility. 1.2 Research questions i. Is cultural diversity responsible for conflict and violence in the facility? ii. Does conflict affect performance at the medical facility? iii. Is declining client satisfaction and retention caused by the conflict between the employees? 1.3 Organization background Ovine Medical Centre was started by a British Neurologist, Dr Gordon Cook