Most people have experienced varying degrees of cultural diversity in their daily lives, which may include different languages, religions, cuisines, fashion choices, music styles, and even political views.
When it comes to intercultural interactions within the workplace, the experience can be significantly more challenging, particularly in terms of how we perceive intimacy between colleagues and superiors. In this essay, I will discuss the impact of multinational operations on interpersonal closeness based on research findings from experts in the field of intercultural communication.
What is Interpersonal Closeness?
Interpersonal closeness refers to the level of emotional attachment that one feels toward another individual. It includes feelings of affection, trust, openness, comfort, understanding, and sharing personal information. This term is used to describe relationships both inside and outside the work environment but is often considered especially important for developing close working relationships among team members or coworkers. When individuals feel comfortable enough to share personal details, they are more likely to communicate effectively and collaborate efficiently as a group.
Achieving such levels of closeness with others requires significant effort and mutual investment.
Exposure to Multicultural Perspectives
Exposure to other cultures, either through travel or immigration, has been shown to broaden our perspectives and increase empathy towards different groups. Similarly, exposure to diverse cultural experiences during multinational operations can help build bridges between individuals who might otherwise have difficulty relating due to language barriers or social norms. Research suggests that increased exposure to foreign cultures results in positive attitudes towards those cultures, which leads to greater acceptance and respect. This effect is evident even when there are no direct interactions with people from these cultures, indicating that simply learning about them can create connections that promote intimacy and collaboration.
Challenges Faced by Multinational Teams
Despite the potential benefits of intercultural exchange, there are also challenges associated with it. One common challenge is communication breakdowns due to differences in language, accents, and body language. Another challenge is stereotyping, where individuals may assume that all members of a particular culture behave similarly based on their limited knowledge.
Some cultures value individualism over collectivism while others prioritize group cohesion. These differences can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and conflict within teams, which can undermine trust and reduce productivity.
Impact on Interpersonal Closeness
Studies suggest that exposure to multicultural perspectives during multinational operations can change how we interpret intimacy.
Researchers found that Chinese participants reported feeling closer to Americans after interacting with them online for 4 weeks than before the interaction began. The authors attributed this result to increased empathy and understanding of American culture through the virtual experience. Similarly, another study showed that European students felt more connected to African colleagues after living together for several months in an international dormitory setting. As such, it appears that extended periods of exposure to other cultures can increase feelings of closeness towards those individuals or groups.
This essay has discussed the impact of multinational operations on interpersonal closeness, highlighting the positive effects of cultural exchange and the potential challenges faced by multicultural teams. Research indicates that extended exposure to foreign cultures can help us understand others better, leading to greater acceptance, respect, and even intimacy.
These benefits come with challenges related to communication breakdowns and stereotyping, which must be addressed to ensure successful team performance. By recognizing these difficulties and working collaboratively to overcome them, businesses can create a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming work environment that values individual differences while promoting effective collaboration among all employees.
How does exposure to multicultural perspectives during multinational operations change the ways individuals interpret interpersonal closeness?
Exposure to diverse cultures can influence an individual's interpretation of intimacy by introducing new cultural norms, values, behaviors, and practices that challenge existing notions of personal space, physical contact, and communication styles. The perception of closeness may also vary depending on the level of familiarity with another culture and its cultural norms.