Jackson Memorial Hospital Retention of Emergency Room Nurses

According to (O’Rourke, chp. 10, pg. 8), Culture is composed of material objects, ideas, values, and attitudes: and expected patterns of behavior. It is through our culture, that communication beings, the older you become that does not change, but gets more difficult. In the article Cross-Cultural Communication in the Workplace: can we stay home without it, (Kudirka, Joi Constance,1989 pg1). points out there must be training in cultural diversity in the workplace. It is a integrate tool required in today’s work environment. A person’s behavior and perception is through their cultural experiences. What ways do different cultures communicate, Japanese place importance of status in life through their job ex. Japanese business card is important to read it once given to you, do not put it away place it on the table to show respect. In many Hispanic cultures, when greeting one another they kiss each other. In America, a hand shake is the customary greeting. There is verbal and non-verbal communications, that must be understood to prevent misunderstandings. Another, ex. There was a Cambodian women, who had outstanding sales for the month, she was given an award and gift. She was asked to come to the front of the room to get her award, she acted reluctantly. It is not customary to receive praise, it is seen as bad manners in Southeastern Asian cultures. In the workplace, it is important to know the customs, values, and beliefs of the people you work with. Therefore, cross-culture communication is a way to interact, when you live or work with people from different cultures. In the future, new job seekers will come from many cultures. Cross-culture communications training will be a long-term commitment on the part of the employer. It makes a difference in the workplace, if you do not know the culture of the people, you work with. There will be misunderstandings, confusion, and controversy in the workplace, not knowing how to relate to people of different ethnicity. This happens, because one’s cultures is used as a bases of knowledge for interacting with the staff, employees, clients, and customers. In Northern countries, looking a people in their eyes shows, whether you are telling the truth or not. The situation can be made better by cross-cultural training and understanding the culture of the people, you work around. According to (HCareers,on Target jobs source article), when speaking to a diverse group of people make eye contact with everyone in the room to prevent uncomfortable feelings. Do not make cultural assumptions, by the use of jokes, slang words, that could confuse, or offend someone. Always, remember that verbal and non-verbal communications relies on a shared set of cultural beliefs and attitudes. When speaking slow down your rate of speech a little not too much. The use of active listening is an effective strategy for continued improvement in communications with the person, by restating what you say to ensure the person understands. Also, use a formal communication style with new acquaintances, then as you get to know them scale back as the relationship develops to not so formal. The supervisor or lecturer develops a culturally sensitive communication practice, it will make a difference in a diverse staff, preventing communication from slipping through the cracks. Simma Lieberman Assoc. n Ten PC Tips For Communicating with a Diverse Audience, talks about knowing how to make a diverse group of people feel included, the more they will listen. If you offend people they will shut down and you will lose them. 1) Be careful not to use ladies, instead use women, when using metaphor, be conscious they have different meaning in different countries Ex. Football in Europe is soccer. 2) Know the demographics of the group of people, you are speaking too. 3) Do not assume everyone shares your religious beliefs. 4) Smile at everyone when speaking to the group ) Do not use humor, that puts down any one group. 6) Example your assumptions about people, who are different than you. be open to letting go assumptions. 7) Do not be afraid to ask for correct pronunciation of someone’s name Example, why this is important an employer mispronunciation of an employee’s name Huy gee, the boss called him Hey Guy. When he looked this up in the dictionary the meaning translated hey boy, denoting, what a African man was called during segregation times. The employee became offended and quit the job. ) If a person has a accent and you can’t understand them, ask them to repeat what they said slowly, what they are saying is important to you. 9) Use methodology in your presentation to accommodate different learning styles. Visual auditory kinesthetic. 10) Be comfortable with silence. In some cultures that can mean respect and attention. The adaptation of the group of people values, customs and beliefs will help successful communication to occur in the workplace. Communication leads to a smooth and comfort work environment for the future.