Communication Is Challenging In Any Setting With The Additio
Communication Is Challenging In Any Setting With The Addition Of Cult
Communication is challenging in any setting. With the addition of cultural factors, communication becomes much more challenging. One way for communication to fluently flow through an organization is to establish clear communication channels. Organizational charts are often used to depict reporting structures and communication channels. As a result of an international acquisition or merger, it is necessary to restructure the organizational chart and communication channels.
For this assignment, you have been provided with two organizational charts. The organizations that use these charts have recently merged. It is your responsibility to restructure the organizational chart to establish clear channels of communication for each organization.
Scenario: Engineering Corporation is based in the United States and Aerospace Corporation is based in China. Aerospace Corporation is the parent company. The purpose of this assignment is for you to think about and create clear channels of communication to ensure efficiency and productivity among international organizations.
Part One—The Organizational Chart: Create a new organizational chart that depicts the newly established communication channel. You can create a new organizational chart from scratch or copy and update one of the provided organizational charts to include the new structure.
Part Two—The Description of the Communication: In a two-page summary, describe the new communication flow and explain why it will function effectively. Be sure to mention the communication strategies and theories from Luthans and Doh (2012). Include the following:
- I. Introduce the need for the new communication flow
- II. Describe the cultural impacts of each organization
- III. Describe the communication flow
- IV. Describe the communication barriers that were considered
Format your assignment in your own words using APA style, and include citations and references as needed to avoid plagiarism. Append the organizational charts as Appendix I, Appendix II, and Appendix III.
Paper For Above instruction
The increasing globalization of industries necessitates the development of effective communication channels across cultural and organizational boundaries. Merging organizations from different countries, such as Engineering Corporation from the United States and Aerospace Corporation from China, brings unique challenges that require strategic restructuring of communication protocols. The need for a new, clear communication flow arises from the necessity to align diverse corporate cultures, coordinate international operations, and enhance overall efficiency and productivity in this cross-border merger.
Introduction to the Need for New Communication Flow
The merger of Engineering Corporation and Aerospace Corporation mandates a comprehensive overhaul of existing communication channels. Historically, these organizations operated within their national contexts with well-established internal communication structures. However, the integration into a new global corporate entity demands a unified, efficient communication system to facilitate information sharing, decision-making, and coordination across different cultural and operational contexts. Without a clearly defined communication flow, the risk of misinterpretation, delays, and organizational friction increases, which can threaten the success of the merger.
Cultural Impacts on Communication
The cultural differences between the United States and China significantly influence communication styles, expectations, and managerial practices. American corporate culture typically emphasizes individualism, direct communication, and informality (Hofstede, 2001). Conversely, Chinese corporate culture tends to prioritize collectivism, indirect communication, and hierarchical respect (Chen, 2014). These cultural dimensions impact how messages are conveyed, received, and interpreted within each organization.
In the American context, direct and explicit communication encourages transparency and rapid decision-making. Meanwhile, Chinese communication styles favor harmony, indirectness, and respect for authority, which may lead to less overt expression of disagreement or critical feedback. Recognizing these differences is essential when designing communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and foster mutual understanding in the merged organization.
Communication Flow
The newly developed communication structure adopts a hybrid approach that respects cultural nuances while facilitating efficient information exchange. At the top hierarchy, the China-based Aerospace Corporation serves as the parent entity, with a central leadership team overseeing strategic decision-making. Reporting flows from the international subsidiaries, such as Engineering Corporation in the United States, through regional managers to the central leadership in China.
To accommodate cultural differences, the communication channels incorporate both formal and informal pathways. Formal channels include scheduled meetings, official reports, and digital communication platforms, ensuring clarity and accountability. Informal channels, such as cross-cultural team-building activities and digital chat groups, facilitate relationship-building and the resolution of conflicts typical in intercultural settings.
This communication flow emphasizes bi-directionality, allowing feedback from the U.S. subsidiary to influence strategic decisions and vice versa. Cross-cultural training ensures the staff understands the preferred communication styles and expectations of their counterparts, fostering transparency and trust (Luthans & Doh, 2012).
Consideration of Communication Barriers
Various communication barriers were considered during the restructuring process. Language differences pose significant challenges, necessitating the use of bilingual communication tools and language training programs (Neeley, 2015). Additionally, cultural misunderstandings may lead to misinterpretations; thus, intercultural competence training is emphasized to promote empathy and cultural awareness (Livermore, 2015).
Time zone differences create logistical barriers, mitigated by scheduling overlapping working hours and asynchronous communication methods. Technological barriers, such as inconsistent internet access and unfamiliarity with digital platforms, are addressed through standardized communication tools and user training (Meyer, 2014).
By proactively managing these barriers, the organization enhances communication effectiveness, boosts employee engagement, and supports the integration process across borders.
Conclusion
The restructuring of the communication channels between Engineering Corporation and Aerospace Corporation is vital for the successful integration of these cross-cultural organizations. By considering cultural influences and potential barriers, establishing a hybrid communication flow that combines formal and informal channels, and fostering intercultural understanding, the organization can build a cohesive and responsive system. Implementing communication strategies rooted in proven theories ensures that information flows smoothly, fostering collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect in this international merger.
References
- Chen, G. M. (2014). Intercultural communication competence: A bridge to understanding and cooperation. Routledge.
- Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
- Livermore, D. A. (2015). Leading with cultural intelligence: The real secret to success. AMACOM.
- Luthans, F., & Doh, J. P. (2012). International management: Culture, strategy, and behavior. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Meyer, E. (2014). The culture map: Breaking through the invisible boundaries of global business. PublicAffairs.
- Neeley, T. (2015). Global business communication. Routledge.