For example, when we meet someone "white" we don't think anything, but when we meet someone who is "non-white" we might think about how to communicate with them. In my department there are some who I would just automatically email because I know they are not fluent in English; however, with most others I find its easier to simply call them or walk over to their office. It's not that I have anything against diversity, it just takes more effort to explain things to certain people; I do realize that in doing this I am treating some people differently. Does this mean that I'm a bad person and that I don't embrace diversity? I have nothing against anyone but at the same time I need to do whatever is most efficient for me.
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5 comments:
I thought your entry took an honest look at some issues concerning race and diversity in the workplace, and I certainly don't think you're a "bad person" just because you treat some non-English speakers differently from fluent English speakers. I have to admit that although I speak English fluently (as a non-white), I subconsciously do not expect much conversation with non-English speakers at the work-place.
I remember an episode on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, where the Chinese actor Jet Li offered to help Jay Leno learn a certain style of Kung-fu that is practiced by "old" people. Leno immediately called Li a "smart-ass", and Li was taken aback at this sudden change in the attitude of Leno. It was obvious to me that Li had no idea that calling someone "old" has extreme negative connotations in the USA, and didn't understand that Leno was simply reacting to this word. Leno in turn didn't seem to realize that being "old" in China was probably not considered negative at all, and may in fact have been a positive sign of wisdom gained from experience.
I agree with you that apparently the United States has the most diverse workplace, given the fact that there are so many professional opportunities available. And indeed, the communication process inside the organizations can become very challenging. I would like to go a little further and add the fact that whenever the communication gets frustrating, this feeling is shared for both parts – Americans and foreign employees.
I strongly believe that whoever decides to live in another country should be very concerned about learning the language of that country. But unfortunately this does not always happen. Although I am conscious that sometimes it is easier to write an email than talk in person to someone, I make efforts to balance both. Doing so, I have chance to learn more about other people, and become more understanding whenever there are conflicts. Moreover, I give them the opportunity to learn more about myself, and my beautiful culture.
Having had chance to work in the Human Resources of several companies in Brazil, I have memories of some foreign people who were working there either as Expatriates or on short assignments. In many situations they clearly faced challenges to speak the native language of Brazil – Portuguese, but their efforts on giving it a try, was always very much appreciated.
Language barriers are an issue, especially in multinational corporations. In most developed countries, children receive instruction in their native language and at least one other. For example, when I was in Italy, nearly all the people I met knew at least some English or French. Yet in the U.S., learning another language is the exception to the rule. Our educational system, especially K-12, needs to place a greater emphasis on developing global citizens who are prepared to communicate in the 21st century. One of my friends has 6-year-old twin boys. They spend their summers learning Mandarin and becoming familiar with Chinese culture (as well as doing all the other sorts of summer fun things 6-year-old boys do). Those kids will be ready for the age of globalization--and won't make the same mistakes Jay Leno made with Jet Li.
If you're a "bad person," then I'm just as guilty.
Language barriers have always been a challenge for me at work and I genuinely strive to be patient. However, there are times... when I find myself getting very frustrated. Business poses its own challenges without having to fight language barriers and communication problems. :(
I am fully sympathetic to the difficulties of working in another language. In fact, I greatly admire those non-native English speakers who come from abroad to study and/or work in the U.S. I can not imagine doing the same, so I truly respect their efforts. That being said, I've spent countless frustrating hours of extra work time trying to decipher emails from co-workers...
What is the best recourse to address this challenge in our increasingly global workforce?
You pointed what i think are some very important issues most people face at work place. As you mentioned I and many other my colleagues at work place do the same thing. I am part of a support organization and most of the times when I have to communicate, i look their profile in the company portal and then make my decision whether to call them or e-mail. I do not believe doing this is a bad thing, as when i try to communicate over the phone, if you are not able to get your message through it creates frustration for both parties. By choosing what we think is the effective medium we are trying to be more productive in my opinion
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