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Today's competitive global economy results in frequent cross-border 

movements of staff that results in a growing diversity at the workplace. As the

inevitable happens between cultures, breakdowns in communication are a

common occurrence. That is certainly costly to the multinational enterprise in

terms of workplace relations, returns and revenues, and customer relationship.

 Not to mention, the firm's competitive advantage.

As such, three main obstacles to intercultural communication are identified and

accordingly expounded further below. It is noteworthy to the International

Assignee the consequences if due care is not exercised when interacting with

non-native English speakers.

1. Language

* Slang, Jargon

* Dialects, Pidgin

* Accents

The transfer of International Assignees across geographical borders perpetuates

the use of the English language. That has never been as pervasive or as widely,

although variations of the language and degree of fluency differ from country

to country, individual to individual.

As it is, usage of slang and jargon - examples: sport, technical - is to be avoidedunless the Assignee is very sure the local audience understands them well.

Also, the presence of globally known brands, products and services does not

mean that the locals possess the same level of mindset.

It is therefore imperative that the Assignee be sensitive of both connotations

and implications that may arise as a result of local usage; further influenced by

the local languages where English is a second or third, or foreign language.

2. Modern Technology

* E-mail

* SMS Text Messaging

* Video Conferencing / Teleconferencing

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The advent of modern technology, especially the Internet, has made access

easier and cheaper to people worldwide such that it helped speed up

globalisation. Similarly, the pervasive use of technological tools like Short

Message Service [SMS] and e-mail amongst locals does not mean that cultural

mishaps will not occur.

The difficulty that comes with the aforesaid tools is gauging the recipients'

expressions. Their responses could be not what the Assignee expects or least

anticipates. On the other hand, the ease of communicating electronically

removes formality and business etiquette that can not only be misconstrued but

also leads to a breakdown in communication.

Hence, it is pertinent on the Assignee's part to convey himself as clearly and

 plainly as possible to avoid any misunderstandings that may arise.

3. Behaviourial and Mindset

* Anxiety

* Discomfort

* Fear of the "Unknown"

* Prejudice and Stereotyping

* Perceived Cultural Superiority or Ethnocentrism

* Discrimination = Racial, Sexual, Educational

Coming from a culture that upholds individualism, privacy and independence;

the Assignee will certainly experience shock, resistance, and to a lesser degree,

disgust towards the host culture that is perceived as inferior. Which as a result,

he may withdraw himself seeking similar individuals; or refusal to adapt

accordingly to his environment.

The Assignee may also display anxiety and discomfort if he has not comeacross - or having little or rare opportunities to socialise with - people of other 

cultures before. He will lose sight on effectively communicating his ideas as his

fear[s] of not being understood - amongst others - overwhelms him.

Thus, it is to both the organisation's long-term interest and the Assignee's well-

 being that he has the ability to manage the conflicts well enough. Otherwise it

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is detrimental to his work performance which can affect the entire department's

morale as a whole.

One Last Word...

It is convenient to dismiss Cultural Differences as the major or sole reason for a breakdown in communication - which does not serve the International Assignee

well in the long run. Instead, he could be more proactive by confronting the

issues that prevented him from working closely with his team.

By addressing the problem and then taking practical steps to remedy any

unintentional misunderstanding caused; such actions will not only make him

more motivated at work but his stay more pleasant too.

Just remember: Treat anyone regardless of ethnic, racial or cultural background

the same way you would want to be treated.