m5 Purposive Comm. Prof - Alagon

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
PURPOSIVE
COMMUNICATION
Created by
DR.CECILIA R. ALAGON
Module 5
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Intercultural Issues in the Workplace
Topics
• Communication and the 21st Century Workplace
• Cultural Differences
• Effective Intercultural Communication
• Professional Correspondence
The Module Objectives
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• identify the importance of cultural factors that
influence intercultural communication
• determine the importance of considering
culture in workplace communication in the
twenty-first century
• apply the principles of effective intercultural
communication
• construct basic workplace documents based
on the principles of corporate/professional
communication
OVERVIEW
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The impact of globalization on cross-
cultural communication make the point
that “in a global environment the
ability to communicate effectively can
be a challenge. Even when both parties
speak the same language there can still
be misunderstandings due to ethic and
cultural differences” ( Matthews and
Thakkar, 2012).
Introduction
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Diversity in the work environment promotes
acceptance, respect, and teamwork despite
differences in race, age, gender, native
language, political beliefs, religion, sexual
orientation, or communication styles among
employees.
Communication in the 21st Century Workplace
In today's fast-paced business environment, employees at
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all levels find themselves being asked to handle more
tasks, meet more deadlines, take on more responsibilities,
and adapt to more change. Added to these challenges is
the constantly shifting diversity of the workplace, where
co-workers cope with generational, gender, age and
cultural differences. Communication, both verbal and
nonverbal, is at the foundation of everything we do and
say, and is especially important in the 21st century
workplace.
Cultural Differences
Cultural
PUP OUS differences
IODE are the various beliefs, behaviors,
languages, practices and expressions considered unique
to members of a specific ethnicity, race or national origin.
Some examples of cultural differences as they pertain to
the workplace include employees who are younger or
older than their co-workers, employees who hold higher
degrees than others in the workplace and individuals who
grew up in either metropolitan areas or small towns.
Ways to understand cultural
differences
It can be very easy to stick with what
you know, rather than trying to meet
people who are different from you.
However, actively trying to
understand and embrace cultural
differences can open you up to a
whole world of exciting new
possibilities and experiences
differences
Become self-aware
Work out your own beliefs, values
and personal biases.
Do your own research
Learning about different cultures can be a
great way of developing an understanding of
cultural diversity
differences
Talk to someone from a different
cultural background
Try and get to know them a bit
better.
Travel
One of the best ways to experience and
understand other cultures is to actually
live among them.
differences
Be more accepting
Sometimes it’s not all that easy to
gain an understanding of cultural
difference, for whatever reason. In
these situations, the best approach is
just to acknowledge that some people
are different and to accept that will
be beneficial for you.
Effective Intercultural Communication
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1. Consider other perspectives. The first step
to effective cross-cultural communication is
looking beyond your own experience.
2. Pay attention. In addition to pre-
communication research, you can further
promote effective intercultural business
communication by simply paying attention
to how your clients, potential clients, or
colleagues conduct themselves.
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Effective Intercultural Communication
3. Get the right education. Your educational

experience itself can do wonders for your
intercultural communication skills , especially
when you’re in a diverse learning
environment.
PUP OUS IODE Professional Correspondence
Any written interaction you have with a
potential employer, whether electronic, printed,
or hand-written, is an opportunity for you to
make a positive or negative impression. It is
also your chance to express your interest in a
position or organization, offer the employer
insight into who you are and what you have to
offer, and to impress the employer with your
communication skills.
There
PUP OUSare a variety of ways in which you
IODE
will correspond with potential employers.
Here are some of the most common
documents you may use:
Cover Letter
Thank You Letters
Approach Letter
Professional References
Review your message
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Before sending a message or letter to a potential
employer, be sure to consider the following:
Is your letter/message…
-Focused, clear and concise
-Well formatted
-100% honest
-Proofread and peer reviewed
-Revised and free of errors
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DoesOUS
yourIODE
letter/message…
-Communicate your interest and enthusiasm about the
position and the organization
-Offer insight into your relevant skills and experience
-Explain why you are fit for the position and address
how you will be an asset to the organization
-Represent your communication and writing skills well
Activity:
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1. Why is it important to be culturally sensitive in the workplace?
2. Why do we need effective communication skills for the
professions?
Assessment:
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3. Worksheet: Email
These exercises focus on the specific challenges of workplace emails.
• What email address do you most frequently use?
________________________________________________________
____________
• Do you think it is an effective one for professional email

correspondence? A professional email is neutral and should typically
consist of your name or initials. Avoid email addresses that are too
playful and “cute.” If your present email address is not professional
sounding, provide an alternate one here:
________________________________________________________
_____________ DR.CECILIA R. ALAGON
Assessment:
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• Do an internet research of the meaning of “cc” and “bcc” fields in
email. Why should you particularly wary about these email features?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________.

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POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

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3. Get the right education. Your educational

• Do you think it is an effective one for professional email

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