In chapter 1 of the text the idea of cultural understanding and sensitivity stood out to me. I feel that in today’s time, this is something that is being discussed more than it previously was. I believe that it is important to take the time to understand the culture and views of other individuals, especially if they are individuals which you will be working with. As mentioned in the text: “As one works and lives in other cultures, most come to realize there are no good cultures or bad cultures in every aspect. Most also come to believe there are no perfect cultures, including their own.” (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, p. 24). As I have more life experiences, I learn more that there is so much truth to this quote. I think that an important takeaway is that we are all different, because at the end of the day, when we think a certain way is “normal” there will always be other individuals who view our normal as different.
In chapter 2 of the text, an idea that I was able to connect to is the idea of listening. It is true that “Listening is at the heart of all successful communications.” (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, p. 39). Listening is important in conversations with your family, friends, neighbors, and everyone else that you regularly communicate with. I have found that listening is especially important in the workplace, where you are communicating with people who you may not routinely talk to. Because of this, I feel that you must listen more closely, because it may be easier to unintentionally misinterpret someone who you are not accustomed to communicating with. In the workplace, I have found that carefully listening to understand, rather than listening to answer, is the most effective means of communication.
The idea of assumptions, as discussed throughout chapter 3, also stood out to me. As said in the text: “Correct assumptions facilitate communication, but incorrect assumptions lead to misunderstandings, and miscommunication often results.” (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, p. 76). Relating to the ideas I took away from chapter 2, I have found that effective communication and ensuring clarity within each interaction in the workplace is essential, in order to avoid incorrect assumptions. In my workplace, a lot of the employees are new, and I have found that avoiding assumptions is even more important with newer staff, as compared to staff that you are accustomed to working with. I have also found that new employees often make assumptions because they do not want to ask “too many” questions or give the impression that they don’t know what they are doing. After some experience with training new staff, I make it a point to assure them that there are no “dumb” questions, and that I don’t find them to be annoying if they as a lot of questions.
The idea of change in organizations, discussed in chapter 4, made me think about organizations and the current events occurring in the world today. In chapter 4, structure, technology, mindsets, tasks, processes, environment, and people are some of main topics covered. Organizational change throughout the entire world is something that happens naturally. When I think about the effects of Covid-19, it is easy to think about solely the businesses that I come into contact with, whether that be as an employee or a consumer, and notice the changes that they have experienced. However, these changes throughout organizations are happening and have happened across the world. All of these factors: structure, technology, mindsets, tasks, processes, environment, and people have been impacted at nearly every organization, all happening unexpectedly and quickly.
Reference
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences (9th ed.). Oxford: Routledge.
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