ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the competencies that distinguish effective communication in diverse organizational environments. Business communication educators, as they prepare individuals for leadership roles, may well find that the skills of self-monitoring, empathy, and strategic decision making are high leverage activities. A receiver-centered communication perspective proposes that understanding differences in the perception and, subsequent interpretation of messages is at the core of communication effectiveness. The following section explores the specific receiver-defined communication competencies leaders might bring to their organizations that will prepare them to communicate effectively in diverse environments. The chapter concludes with a discussion of specific communication competencies and teaching strategies that will increase students' awareness of the communication challenges, assess their current competencies, and assist them in developing the skills and strategies required to manage effectively in culturally diverse organizational contexts. Globalization and the increasing diversity of the American workforce offer organizations new challenges as well as new opportunities.
