Role of Communication in Managing Organizational Diversity

Communication is indeed an effective tool which plays an important role in binding employees together. Communication plays a crucial role in breaking the ice among employees, bringing them closer to each other and thus managing organizational diversity. An individual may belong to any religion or community, but it is his/her power to communicate which helps him know about his fellow workers. It is essential for individuals to talk and share their experiences. Unless and until, they do so, they would never be able to enjoy their work and treat it as a mere source of burden. Believe me, if employees are asked to work in isolation, they would attend office just for the sake of it.

In today’s scenario of fierce competition, employees need to discuss, brainstorm ideas to reach to innovative solutions which would not only benefit their respective teams but also help their organization to outshine its competitors. Communication in fact helps you to express your ideas and viewpoints. Do not say a “yes” if you feel it is not correct. Remember, freedom of expression is the right of every employee and you just cannot deprive anyone of the same.

It hardly matters whether the individual is a Christian or a Muslim, has recently joined the organization or is there for quite some time, is an MBA or just a graduate. What is more important is whether he/she is able to do justice to the roles and responsibilities assigned or not? Let individuals come out with their ideas, opinions and also have a say in organization’s major decisions.

One of the most common reasons of misunderstandings and conflicts at the workplace is lack of communication between them and their superiors. Superiors need to communicate with their team members on a regular basis not only to regularly monitor their performance but also motivate them to come out with their best every time.

Individuals feel left out and demotivated when their Bosses do not have the time to talk to them. Effective communication enables information to reach all related employees in its desired form. Do not interact with only the top level employees but with every individual associated with organization.

Individuals need to communicate effectively to know about each other’s customs, traditions, religions, culture and so on. If you do not allow them to sit together and talk, trust me, they would treat each other as enemies and would find it extremely difficult to work in unison. How would an individual know that the person sitting next to him, who though belongs to a different religion is his fellow worker and is also working for the same motive i.e. to achieve organization’s goals and objectives and also for respective career growths? He/she would come to know only when you would allow him/her to communicate effectively with counterparts.

Effective communication ensures individuals from varied backgrounds, religions; communities or age groups share a strong rapport and do not face problems working together. Individuals, when effectively communicate seldom fight and solve half of the problems themselves. They escalate the matter to their superiors only when it is really serious and requires their intervention.

In a way, effective communication not only manages organizational diversity but also leads to a positive ambience at the workplace. There are situations when some or the other misunderstandings among team members might arise, but it is always better when employees sit face to face, talk and clear the same at the earliest. The productivity is in fact more when employees communicate effectively with each other.