by Leigh Goessl

Created on: February 19, 2010

Communication on a global level has a significant impact on the workplace. The time has passed where professionals only speak to colleagues, customers or partners strictly on the local level. Today much business communications is centered on exchanging dialogue on a global scale and doing business with people that will likely never meet in person.

There are many reasons why traditional business communication has evolved such as the ability to sell, work or outsource overseas. Companies have taken significant strides to expand their operations or business dealings beyond their local vicinities. Due to these circumstances, business people must exchange dialogue long distance and across country borders.

Many organizations are being restructured and expanded across borders which make technical communication tools a necessity and for communication to happen, there is reliance upon these tools. With the visibility able to be attained on the web, most companies, both large and small, look to do business outside of their neighborhoods, states, or even countries.

As a result of technology expanding borders and connecting businesses, people are working in more diverse environments. Both management and employees must learn how to understand the differences in cultural behaviors and linguistic styles in order to have effective communication occur.

Here are some issues that arise from communication on the global level:

*Miscommunications and Misunderstandings

Communicating in a text environment can lead to significant issues. It is hard enough to sometimes decipher connotations, nuances and tone when two people share the same language; when different languages are first languages, this just adds to the challenge.

When conducting business in the global environment, individuals must take care to choose words carefully. Sometimes words may not be misunderstood or may mean different things in different cultures. In addition slang and/or other 'watered down' words are likely to result in miscommunications or misunderstandings.

*Language Barriers

Language barriers can be difficult to overcome when doing business in the global environment. It is important to try and bridge the language gap because not only can miscommunications and misunderstandings occur, but money can be lost or a business deal can go awry. Interpreters who can act as mediators to bridge communications can be very helpful.

*Maintaining Equilibrium

In workplaces where staffing is international, sometimes managers are faced with maintaining cultural equilibriums and handling linguistic differences. This is due to the diverse and rapidly evolving environments in the work place. Managers need to take care and effort to understand these potential issues and cultivate an environment that embraces diversity.

Good communication is an important component in any organization. Managers can promote good communication policies and practices in order to overcome many of the new challenges that are being faced. Integration which includes a balance of traditional communication methods along with continuously evolving technological methods will help communications flow more smoothly and still be able to maintain a competitive place in the market.

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