ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the communication strategies and examples that are provided of effective manager/employee interaction. An open, trusting approach is recommended as most beneficial especially when dealing with a person with limited English. The manager should realize that the employee may have misunderstood some part of the job description or the instructions. Problems that arise in the workplace need to be resolved jointly using both the skills of the manager and the employee. Using employee suggestions for problem solutions is a plus. This will help keep communications open and prepare for additional discussion sessions. Today employees recognize that communicating effectively with foreign-born employees is crucial to the success of the business and the employee's productivity. A manager or supervisor has three overlapping roles, technical, administrative and interpersonal. The concern here is with the interpersonal role—the supervisor's behaviour on the job in trying to influence or motivate others, especially foreign-born, and bring about change in their on-the-job behaviour.