How Cultural Differences Affect Communication in an International Organization: a Case Study

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Business | Bachelor's thesis

Date

2017

Department

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business

Language

en

Pages

50

Series

Abstract

Objectives The main objectives of this study were to find out through an online survey how the employees of the case company feel the organization approaches and takes into account different cultures, as well as finding potential solutions to possible challenges resulting from intercultural interaction. The survey also aimed to examine the attitudes of the employees towards working with people from other cultures and the effect of these attitudes as well as multiculturalism on the effectiveness of work. Summary Eighty-three people out of a population of about 300 participated in the survey. The questions mainly concerned the background and attitudes of the respondents as their opinions on the organization’s intercultural approaches. Language was not the primary topic of interest but was naturally linked to the subject. Conclusions There do not seem to be any significant problems with intercultural communication that the case company is facing. However, many of the respondents indicate that there is ignored potential in how the organization could benefit from the different cultures and previous international working experience that many of the employees have.

Description

Thesis advisor

Charles, Mirjaliisa

Keywords

Intercultural communication, Cross-cultural communication, Case study, International Business

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