Group Interaction Strategies, Essay Example

Communication is a crucial element that determines the success of any organization. Through communication people of all diversity, culture and background can interact and work as a team in the achievement of a set goal. Since communication is vital for the success of organization, it is prudent that different methods of communication are put in place. Different people will exhibit different responses to different methods of communication; a method of communication that is applicable to one person may not be suitable for a different person. It is therefore the responsibility of organization managers to understand the various groups and the most suitable method of communication. The most important aspects of consideration in this regard include diverse age groups, differences in gender, different ethnicities, non-native English speakers, disabled as well as expatriates. The use of suitable interaction strategies to meet the needs of communication in these groups is a source of advantage to the management in an organization.

Age groups

There has been a dramatic change in styles of communication in different generations. The past generations used to communicate through physical visits, writing letters and much laterusing telephones. The current generations are exposed to advanced methods of communication such as email, texting, Facebook, tweeter and other forms of modern communication. The knowledge of age groups in a particular setting is necessary for the choice of the most suitable method of communication. It is important or the management in any organization to determine the existing age groups in the workplace so that the best communication is applicable to achieve effective interaction (Schied, 2010). Based on age groups, there are the traditionalists (born prior to 1945), the baby boomers (1946 – 1964 year of birth), the GEN Xers (1965 – 1982year of birth), as well as the millennial (1983 – 2000 year of birth) (Schied, 2010). In most cases, face to face approach to communication is the method of choice for the traditionalists, phone calls is best suited for the baby boomers, email best suited for Gen Xers while the millennial are best adopted for quick text. The knowledge of such differences is constructive for organization managers in effective interaction and communication across diverse age groups.

Gender

Differences in gender are a crucial issue of consideration in interaction and communication within the organization. Communication method that is not articulately selected to suit a certain gender group may appear to be inappropriate and offensive. The speaker may be unaware that somebody is being offended. It is therefore prudent to have the relevant knowledge and skills to facilitate effective communication when dealing with people of different gender. Creation of equality in the workplace depends on an understanding of the strengths that are associated with different genders in the workplace. In addressing the diverse tasks in the workplace the relationship-oriented tasks should be assigned to women while the task-oriented duties are best suited for men. Understanding this fact enables the management to understand the reason why females feel being shunned as they attempt to understand the males in the workplace and the reason why males have a feeling of procrastinating female counterparts instead of focusing on their tasks. It is important to avoid the comments that appear to be gender specific so that a particular group do not develop a feeling that they are being targeted or they are denied equal opportunities as the opposite gender.

Non-native English speakers

Non-native English speakers refers to the people who acquired skills in any other language apart from English and that is the language that is most commonly spoken when they are at their homes and English language is used in other places such as the place of work. Communication and interaction with Non-native English speakers requires appreciation of the fact that, English is a second language to these people. Majority of the Non-native English speakers have the requisite skills in speaking fluent English but they may encounter some problem in grammar as well as writing. It is good to have an idea that a person has problems in self-expression to avoid instances of frustration and embarrassment due to a potential misunderstanding. In such cases, the best approach to communication is through management directives, memos and newsletters that are expressed in several languages to avoid any chances of misunderstanding.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifics

Some groups of people require to be given special consideration as a result of their status of disabilities. Disabilities range from allergic reactions to products that are commonly used in the organization to major cases such as loss of sight, hearing or body part. According to the 1990 Disability Act of the US, equal opportunity in employment must take in to account people with disabilities. There also must be job accommodations for the disabled in the situation that the accommodations are unlikely to impose ‘undue hardship’ as well as equal opportunities in reference to benefits as well as promotions must also be checked by all employers. Such accommodations would entail the use of the most suitable approach to communication such as the use of memos, management directives, notes as well as emails which are best applicable in communicating as well as interacting with disabled such as those who have lost their hearing abilities. Job specifications as well as assigned tasks should be communicated to the disabled individual to make clear the expectations by the management. The disabled individual can only be disqualified from duty in absence of a reasonable accommodation and incapacity of performing the required task.

Expatriates

The implication of expatriates is the skilled individuals hired to work in an organization based in a foreign state. Interaction and communication with expatriates requires acknowledgement of their foreign status hence they lack proper adaptation to the customs of the host country. When communicating with an expatriate, it is prudent to account for the customs of their parent country and avoid any message that may be offensive. According to DeVito (2008), the corporate executives in America have no time for socializing during meetings and they usually discuss the agenda of the meeting within the first few minutes of encounter. On the contrary, the Japanese corporate executives are keen on socialization before they go the business of the day. Interactions as well as communication with also requires that interpreters and translators are engaged when necessary

In conclusion, it is important to recognize the importance of communication skills that should be applicable across a wide range of audience to achieve success in interaction. Effectiveness of communication to different special groups is an equally important attribute. The use of multiple approaches to communication is an important obligation of the management in organizations.

References

City University of N Y. (2007). A guide to tutoring non-native English speaking students. Retrieved from http://resources.jjay.cuny.edu/erc/tutoring/pdfs/Guidebook.pdf

DeVito, J. A. (2008). Interpersonal messages: Communication and relationship skills. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.

Schied, J. (2010). Types of communication: Bridging the generation gap. Retrieved from http://www.brighthub.com/office/home/articles/76498.aspx