How to Handle a Cross-Cultural Misunderstanding in the Workplace
When an organization maintains staff internationally or hires a high concentration of employees of different cultures, it is natural that misunderstandings between employees may occur. If an incident occurs, handle it immediately, working with your company's human resources department to take appropriate action and offer training to diffuse the situation. Taking a proactive approach with thorough cross-cultural training and an open-door policy will help mitigate future misunderstandings.
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Instructions
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Sit down privately with each employee involved in the misunderstanding to hear her explanation of the situation. Allow her to express her thoughts without interrupting and ask probing questions on what she feels is the root of the misunderstanding. Ask the employee what solutions she would like to see occur in the workplace.
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Notify your human resources department of the cross-cultural misunderstanding. If an incident occurred which may lead to reprimanding employees or making a change in company policy, human resources will guide the next steps to accomplish this. The human resources department represents a neutral, nonjudgmental authority to mediate any action and to direct outcomes from the incident.
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Create an employee training program regarding multiple cultures in the workplace.Teach employees that recognition, respectability and tolerance must be a part of the workplace. Include topics in your training such as respecting cultural differences in gender roles, personal space, body language, clothing and personal appearance. Integrate religious differences into your training lessons and encourage employees to learn more about co-workers' background and the meaning of employee actions.
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Hire bilingual supervisors and promote individuals of various cultures who may best understand the cross-cultural makeup of your staff. Encourage employees to talk to you, a manager they feel comfortable with or human resources before making a comment or taking an action related to another employee's culture.
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Offer an ongoing cultural awareness program for your employees through a third-party consultant or professional training workshops. Bring in assistance to help work through ongoing misunderstandings and prevent future issues from occurring. These trainings will help employees understanding differences both in and outside of the workplace, leading to a more tolerant and knowledgeable community.
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