Employee Communications in an Ever-Changing World  

Communications are continually changing in the business environment. Now more than ever, managers must be more culturally aware when communicating with the younger and older generations for all ethnicities. We, as employees, must also be aware of communicating with younger bosses and co-workers. Global communications, whether written or face-to- face, require different skills that each of us should aspire to understand in working with different groups. This paper covers the U.S. workforce statistics, seven communication principals, and cultural communications; provides you with a glimpse into discovering your communication style; and finally talks about how to communicate with younger bosses and co-workers.

Damrau, Jackie. STC Proceedings (2005). Articles>Business Communication>Discrimination

Old Claims with a New Twist: E-Harassment in the Workplace

Many companies carry out portions of their business via an intranet or the Internet. Other companies grant access to the Internet to some, if not all, employees. The ease with which these systems allow employees to communicate with each other and with the outside world presents obvious business advantages. Unfortunately, employers now realize that the advantages gained by these technologies bring with them the risk of a new wave of harassment claims based on the alleged misuse of these modes of communication. In order to reduce these claims, or at least attempt to minimize exposure to such claims, employers will have to adjust to meet the new dynamics of a changing workplace.

Towns, Douglas M. Communication World Bulletin (2004). Articles>Business Communication>Discrimination>Email

Generation Gaps in Attitudes Toward Sexist/Nonsexist Language    

This study of attitudes toward sexist/nonsexist language reveals generation gaps in a sample of 18- to 87-year-olds (N = 370). On average, participants are undecided about the merits of inclusive language, but older participants are more supportive than 18- to 22-year-olds. Attitudes toward women are a significant predictor of attitudes toward sexist/nonsexist language in all age—gender groups. Education is a stronger predictor than age; perspective-taking ability and gender self-esteem are each significant predictors for one age—gender group.

Parks, Janet B. and Mary Ann Robertson. Journal of Language and Social Psychology (2008). Articles>Business Communication>Discrimination>Gender