Introduction
Global communication refers to the exchange of information across international borders that occurs mainly due to the effects of globalization (Kamalipour, 2006). It deals with different types of communication processes between governments, businesses, and people. Today’s business environment is highly influenced by globalization and technology. Therefore, businesses need to expand to other countries and cultures. The need for expansion necessitates the development of exceptional communication skills that harmonize the activities of employees in different regions in which a business operates. Effective global communication is an important aspect of international trade. Companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, IBM, Walmart, and other multinational firms operate in different countries and hire employees from different cultures who speak different languages. Enhancing global communication is critical for the harmonization of business operations in different countries.
Strategies for effective global communication
Organizations that employ employees from different cultures and countries encounter challenges in the field of communication. Strategies that can be applied in order to improve global communication include review of business communication principles, analysis of message receiver, evaluation of language needs, and acceptance of other cultures (Krizan, Merrier, Logan & Williams, 2010). It is very important for businesses to review business communication principles in order to facilitate the reception of different messages. This is conducted by analyzing the recipient of the message and choosing an appropriate channel to use. Full knowledge of the recipient’s cultural background is also important in global communication. In order to enhance the delivery of information, it is important to learn about the values, the culture, and the language of the recipient (Krizan et. al, 2010). This aids in deciding the best channel of communication to use.
Another aspect of ensuring that global communication is effective is acceptance of other cultures. It is vital for businesses to understand how various cultures affect the beliefs, values, behaviors, and convictions of their employees (Krizan et. al, 2010). In that regard, respecting and embracing cultural differences enhances communication. Diverse global environments involve people from different countries that speak varied languages. It is necessary for leaders to adopt positive attitudes towards other cultures in order to overcome communication barriers such as cultural differences that strain cross-cultural communication (Schmidt, 2007).
Different communication channels (print, electronic, and face-to-face) are effective in different contexts. For instance, print and electronic media are more effective in global communication because they exclude the need to learn the recipient’s culture. Different cultures use body language differently. Therefore, using communication channels that eradicate the need to master the use of body language by other cultures makes communication faster and more effective. Another important aspect of global communication is simplicity. English is an international language that is spoken in many countries. However, it is absent in certain countries that use native languages. Companies that operate in countries that do not use English find it difficult to communicate to employees because of language barriers. In such cases, messages are translated into languages that employees understand. Keeping messages simple and clear is the key to effective communication in such cases (Schmidt, 2007).
One of the strategies that such companies apply is the use of visual aids such as images, graphics, charts, illustrations, and photos. Well designed visual aids help to overcome language barriers because they simplify information and present it in a form that is comprehensible by people from different cultures (Schmidt, 2007).
An important strategy for improving global communication is proper evaluation of how different people consume information. People consume information differently using varied communication channels. Mediums for communication are not universal and vary from place to place (Schmidt, 2007). For instance, internet is not available in certain countries that have poor technological infrastructure. Therefore, using emails to communicate is ineffective. Finally, understanding and embracing different language patterns is important for effective global communication. Languages use different sentence structures and assign meaning based on context (Kamalipour, 2006). Learning such variations improve global communication because it improves the comprehension of the message by recipients. Moreover, comprehension of language variations eradicates barriers that cause misunderstandings.
Benefits of global communication
Global communication has several benefits that include increased access to business opportunities, enhanced globalization, and access to international markets (Kamalipour, 2006). Businesses get access to more opportunities through global communication because of increased access to people from other cultures. This gives firms an opportunity to attract new customers to buy their products and services. Global communication through technological advancements enhances globalization and makes it easy for businesses to expand to foreign markets (Schmidt, 2007). Electronic communication improves business operations and increases access to customers in different parts of the world.
Conclusion
Global communication involves passage of information across international borders primarily due to the effects of globalization. Through global communication, businesses get access to more business opportunities, expand to other countries, and increase their customer bases. Several strategies are used to enhance global communication. They include acceptance of other cultures, simplicity, constant review of business communication principles, and use of visual aids in communication. Harmonizing the activities of employees in different countries and cultures is an important aspect of effective global communication. Global communication is important in businesses because it expands their scope with regard to the number of customers they serve.
References
Kamalipour, Y. R. (2006). Global Communication. New York, NY: Thomson Wadsworth. Web.
Krizan, A. C., Merrier, P., Logan, J. P., & Williams, K. S. (2010). Business Communication. New York, NY: Cengage Learning. Web.
Schmidt, W. (2007). Communicating Globally: Intercultural Communication and International Business. New York, NY: SAGE Publications. Web.