1 To: Employees From: Human Resource Department Subject: Workplace communication and communication cultures The purpose of this memo is to inform all employees of this organization about the different forms of workplace communication and the different styles of communication within the organization. We hope this information will allow you to gain an understanding and knowledge of how different modes of communication are used within and outside our department. In a workplace, communication means the exchange of information and ideas between and among employees over the course of the day. To avoid confusion wherever possible, it is important that every employee is able to communicate effectively whether in person or virtual. You should be familiar with four distinct modes of workplace communication: written, telephone, verbal, and nonverbal. (Lansing et al., 1959). It is imperative that all employees develop skills that enable them to effectively communicate through different modes of communication, because most employees will be required to use at least one of them at work on a daily basis. To reduce miscommunications, it is vital that each employee has a solid understanding of both verbal and non-verbal communication in order to be able to use both effectively in the workplace. Communication must be done verbally by the employees in a language that everyone can understand without resorting to slang. Non-verbal communication is 2 characterized by hand gesturing and facial expressions associated with conveying emotions and indicating direction. Understanding them enables employees to convey specific information they need to convey, whether they are expressing feelings or giving directions, without causing confusion among the group. Written communication is used to communicate information and ideas within an organization via letters and memoirs. There are two methods of writings, they can be done manually or on paper, and then they must be delivered to the proper employee. There are a number of methods of communicating with employees at the company, one of which involves dialling an employee's number through the existing company phones and relaying the message. Furthermore, the company can also send emails containing the desired information to employees via their personal smartphones. The result is that each employee must have the ability to use the company phones and read and compose e-mails on the company's behalf. Cultures to be discussed are intercultural communication in the workplace and cross-cultural communication in the workplace. It is a term referring to the interaction between individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds in order to describe communication across cultural boundaries. Intercultural communication is demonstrated in a conversation between a Christian and a Muslim employee in which they discuss their religious differences and similarities(Scollon et al., 2011). Branding is a versatile tool used to enhance a company's cultural diversity while establishing a specific market target and establishing trust within that specific market. It aids in the development of an appreciation for a particular culture and fosters loyalty. 3 Cross-cultural communication is the exchange of information between members of the same culture and those from another. (Reynolds, 2011) A conversation between two employees from different backgrounds is an example of cross-cultural communication in the workplace. Employees benefit from cross-cultural communication when they are aware of diverse business customs, strategies, and beliefs. It is for this reason that our organization is able to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds. This type of communication requires a high level of awareness, preparation, language, humor, and openness. This style of communication enables each employee to comprehend the other, despite their divergent perspectives and backgrounds. Normally, one would distinguish intercultural communication from cross-cultural communication with the difference being that intercultural communication is the result of the interaction of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. By contrast, cross-cultural communication examines interactions between members of the same culture and members of another. (Gudykunst, 2003) Communication skills that are improved within our department will result in an improved employer/employee relationship as well as increased productivity within our organization. The memo is not only important for everyone to read and comprehend, but it is also important so that they can improve their communication skills. As a further step to gaining a better understanding of the topics discussed, employees should read additional material on these topics, either from their own materials or from the provided references.