| Chapter 1: | Communicating Within a Multicultural Workforce |
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receive problems to investigate and later communicate their findings to management. Similar activities occur in every aspect of the company. Employees receive and send information as they perform their daily activities.
Oral communication is a major part of the flow of information within the work environment. So, too, are the various types of forms and records, as well as the storage and retrieval facilities provided by computers. In addition, newer forms of communication such as instant messaging, text messaging, email, and electronic files and reports are assuming a major role in the communication process.
Clearly, communication is essential to the organized effort involved in the business environment so that the goals of the organization can be achieved. Communication enables human beings to work together. Within a business environment, it is the vehicle through which management performs its basic functions. Managers direct, coordinate, plan, and control through communication.
Organizational communication once meant delivering information to selected audiences. Today, it means strategically addressing opportunities and needs so that the goals of an organization can be achieved. This means shaping messages and delivery mechanisms to connect with each regional, national, and international audience in ways that are timely, credible, and relevant.
Over the past five years, “offshoring,” the sending of U.S. jobs overseas, has become an increasingly common business practice. According to Meisler (2004), savings can be obtained by outsourcing information technology and business-process tasks to vibrant emerging economies such as India. Other countries targeted for outsourcing efforts include the Philippines, China, Russia and Eastern Europe, and Central and South America.
Offshoring is not appropriate for every company. According to Meisler (2004), while most businesses survive the trip to another country, only a select few eventually achieve their financial targets. Many encounter numerous economic, managerial, political, and cultural problems along the way.