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Workplace diversity and intercultural communication: A phenomenological study

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  • Adam Evans
  • Harika Suklun

Abstract

For decades, the United States has seen an increasing number of immigrants, which has led to a significant increase in cultural diversity in the United States. This phenomenological study examines the contextual history of professional non-native English-speaking women in the United States to form a basis of comparison with native English speakers. It attempts to compare their lived communicative experiences with those of non-native English speakers in the workplace. In this study, 16 professional, native English-speaking women currently working in the US were interviewed. Participants in this study were asked to describe professional and intercultural experiences through interactions with non-native English-speaking coworkers, any expectations of the interactions or violations of those expectations, and any miscommunications that may have occurred. Many native English speakers positively reflected upon these intercultural interactions and shared examples of their vocal adjustments and challenges of verbal and intercultural communication. To overcome these challenges, professional native English speakers described trying to slow speech or asking confirming questions such as “Do you understand?” to mitigate verbal conflicts and miscommunication. Based on the trends within the responses, however, there is a potential for unintentional and often offensive consequences to occur. Several coping mechanisms were found to be considered rude or off-putting by non-native speakers, while the intent of a more direct message was often misinterpreted by native English speakers. In addition, it seems that native English speakers often may have good intentions in their actions but do not have the skillset to better facilitate communication with non-native English speakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Evans & Harika Suklun, 2017. "Workplace diversity and intercultural communication: A phenomenological study," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 1408943-140, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:oabmxx:v:4:y:2017:i:1:p:1408943
    DOI: 10.1080/23311975.2017.1408943
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Blau, Francine D. & Kahn, Lawrence M., 2013. "Female Labor Supply: Why is the US Falling Behind?," IZA Discussion Papers 7140, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabriel Croitoru & Nicoleta Valentina Florea & Constantin Aurelian Ionescu & Valentina Ofelia Robescu & Liliana Paschia & Marilena Carmen Uzlau & Marinela Daniela Manea, 2022. "Diversity in the Workplace for Sustainable Company Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-26, May.
    2. Mishlin Nweiser & Krisztina Dajnoki, 2022. "The Importance Of Workforce Diversity Management As A Global Imperative €“ A Systematic Review," Oradea Journal of Business and Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 7(2), pages 63-74, Septembri.

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