Discourse‐based technology support for intercultural communication in multinationals

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to suggest a framework based on the discourse approach to analyze intercultural communication problems in multinational organizations. The paper also aims to suggest solutions to these problems by designing support in computer‐mediated communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses qualitative methodology to discover communication problems and strategies as they are used by employees in a multinational organization.

Findings

Communication problems and strategies were associated with differences between communicators at three levels of discourse: different assumptions about communication; different ways of structuring information and differences in style.

Research limitations/implications

The implementation of the suggested tools introduces potential sensitivities that need to be considered.

Originality/value

The paper highlights how to apply the discourse approach to the analysis of intercultural communication problems and suggests several implementations of computer‐mediated communication mechanisms and techniques that can effectively mitigate communication problems in multinational organizations.

Citation

Zaidman, N., Te'eni, D. and Schwartz, D.G. (2008), "Discourse‐based technology support for intercultural communication in multinationals", Journal of Communication Management, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 263-272. https://doi.org/10.1108/13632540810899434