Intercultural Communications in Virtual Environments

Intercultural Communications in Virtual Environments

Over the past few years, virtual environments have become very popular. Web-based learning is now used in the workplace to train new hires and also for E-learning at private and public universities to allow students an alternative education to the more traditional colleges. “We are living in a digital economy where information and communications technology (ICT) knowledge is essential to succeed in almost all areas” (Hampel, 2014). Technology is on the rise creating new opportunities for communicating via different mediums. While there are many benefits to communicating electronically, we also face communication barriers which we must try to overcome.

E-Learning

According to Olaniran (2009), “the current demand for education has transitioned to one where training is not confined to a particular geographic location, but instead, to those in which portability, mobility, and convenience are of central importance” (pg. 181). E-learning offers students the convenience to learn no matter where we are without having to be present in a physical classroom. Many middle-aged individuals work full time and are unable to find time in their busy schedules to take course at traditional colleges. E-Learning has provided these individuals with an opportunity to finish their degree on timeline that works with their schedules. E-learning removes boundaries and makes education a possibility to all no matter where they are located allowing students to take control of their learning and study at a pace which does not interfere with their day to day demands from their employers.
While E-learning is popular due to the convenience in how fast a degree can be finished, it also has it challenges that can hinder success. Intercultural communication can result in many disconnects. A student’s cultural background and upbringing can influence how people use, view and interpret information. For example, cultures all view and define themselves along with their relationship with others; there are two types of cultures: individualism and collectivism (Jandt, 2014). In individualism culture, individuals place their own interests over the interests of the group, while in collectivism culture the interest over the group prevails over their own interests. This difference in interests can cause communication conflicts if the cultural differences are not respected. “The key to resolving cultural problems with technology use especially in the E-learning environment is to recognize cultural differences and associate technology use with the existing cultural values, structures, and activities in the different workplace settings” (Olaniran, 2009).

Virtual Workplace

Many times companies will assemble virtual teams to work on a project. When members of the team are also from other countries, they must become culturally competent and respect their own team members in order to manage any diversity issues (Budrina, 2011). Researching their team member’s culture will teach them what their team member will find offensive; thus allowing them to select their words carefully. Intercultural diversity should not be looked upon as an obstacle; it should be looked upon as a strength because understanding who you are working with gives you an advantage and may lead to success. By learning more about your team, you’re able to understand the strengths they offer the group and what you can learn from them and take away from this experience.

In the workplace when working with different cultures you should seek out ways to overcome the intercultural disconnects. Yael Zolfi, CEO of AIM Strategies (2012) created a model called LEARN: Listen, Effectively Communicate, Avoid Ambiguity, Respect Differences and No Judgement (pg. 7). The most important strategies in this model in my option are numbers 4. Respect Differences and 5. No Judgement. Cultural differences must be acknowledged in order to show fellow team mates that they are respected. We also must be sure not to pass any judgement because there may be deeper reasons for the team member’s actions in the event issues arise. 

  

In the workforce, “the ability to manage people from other cultures is no longer an option; it is a requirement for success (Zolfi, 2012). We will never be able to overcome intercultural barriers or obstacles if we do not get to know about those we are working with or engaging in E-Learning with at school. The first step toward overcoming is to ask questions and show interest in learning about their culture and sharing with them about the American culture. Once we engage in conversation, we will realize that working with other cultures is strength which will improve both students and employee’s learning experiences and performance. What we once found to be foreign and limited in comprehension will now become familiar and interesting opening the doors to productivity, effectiveness and possibly increased sales and/or profit.

           

References

Budrina, I. (2011). Virtual Multicultural Teams: Real Communication in the Virtual World. Retrieved from http://www.romania-insider.com/virtual-multicultural-teams-real-communication-in-the-virtual-world/30300/

Jandt, F.E. (2013). An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global Community (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Hampel, G. (2014). Learning in a Virtual Environment. Acta Technica Corvininesis - Bulletin Of Engineering, 7(4), 35-40.

Olaniran, B. (2009). Discerning culture in e-learning and in the global workplace. Knowledge Management and E-Learning: An International Journal, 1(3), 180-195. Retrieved from http://kmel-journal.org/ojs/index.php/online-publication/article/viewFile/7/8

Zofi, Y. (2012). Why Cross-Cultural Communication is Critical to Virtual Teams and How to Overcome the Intercultural Disconnect. People & Strategy, 35(1), 7-8.