Cultural Diversity and Its Impact on Communication and Conflict

This is a crucial course in our increasingly interconnected world. Indeed, in modern business, misunderstandings and conflicts are much more likely than before as organizations must keep on expanding their reach to find new customers, employees, suppliers, and partners. Digital tools now facilitate contact with others who may not share our first language or customs. This increased access to each other is a strength. Interactions are faster, regular, and more spontaneous. But this new world of fluid, personal communication – where, working together, people of diverse backgrounds can achieve far more than working in isolation — also poses serious challenges.

Like software, our mind is programmed to act on +9tacit assumptions and reveal personal values in what we say and do – sometimes in ways we don’t consciously realize.

The resulting disconnect between intention and impact can also create conflict, especially when the situation is challenging or stressful such as in conflict. Based on the world-acclaimed theories of the late professor Geert Hofstede, made highly practical and immediately usable, this course provides a clear, robust framework to understand and manage cultural differences without stereotyping. Numerous examples and a final, very realistic case study will increase your ability to manage cultural differences as they affect communication and conflict.