Challenges to Project Communication, Essay Example

Introduction

The more integrated aspects of globalization have provided additional challenges upon the HR Management function within the multi-national corporation (MNC). In particular the retention of cultural values and control from the head office of the native country. Expatriate Managers have in themselves become part of the business challenge and many posted overseas do not stay in the post for very long and equally do not integrate well into the local cultures. Communication become of vital importance if the Company is to manage cross-cultural boundaries.

Ex Patriots Working Abroad

MNC’s HR departments have emphasised the importance of cross-cultural training. The concept of cross-cultural awareness can either make or break a company when operating in foreign territory. The importance of teamwork and effective communications between the HQ and the subsidiary is considered paramount. If a Multi-national Corporation is to be successful in managing its remote subsidiaries, it is vital that it both understands and appreciates both local customs and cultures. BP experienced conflicts with its transplanted Executives from London going to Asia and trying to follow strict London protocols without first understanding local cultures, languages and traditions. This caused BP a lot of communication problems until it changed policy to hire local graduates and offer more local autonomy to its businesses. This transition created increased respect for the Company and broadened its business operations in the S.E. Asia region. Non-verbal communication are often important to express emotions and can be used where cultural or language barriers exist. These may include non-verbal signs of support, facial expressions or supportive pictures or illustrations. When foreigners are working overseas they are often ‘ice breakers’ and help in cementing early relationships.

One of the main advantages of globalization is that it frees people from the constraints of geography and opens the market up to global work possibilities by use of the internet and more sophisticated communication technology. This was evidenced in the work of Thomas Friedman in his book entitled ‘The world is flat’ where he stated that work could now be relocated to any part of the world owing to internet-based technologies. (Siegel, J.S. 2006).

As a Project Manager you can create better harmony amongst diverse team members by becoming an effective listener and showing empathy towards other peoples points of view. It is also important to be equitable I your dealings with different people and as such make allowances for cultural differences. Leadership is also an important characteristic and to lead by example in tems of your expectations of others.

References

Siegel, J. (2006). The challenges of Globalization. Global Issues, Washington DC.