RESEARCH FOCUS  -  INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Communications

Research by Migrators, amongst others, has identified that communications are very important when working with different nations. There are a number of different ways in which participants may use to communicate messages, these can include:

	Differences in time zones can have an impact on responses
	Geographic dispersion may delay response times
	Organisation may prefer certain types of communication,
	Organisations may prefer communications to be provided during specific time slots
	Some communications may need to be made in specific languages
	Some information  may need to be communicated in special ways
	Some organisations may not be as technologically advanced as others

Care needs to be taken to ensure that the most appropriate communication methods are used for the organisations and nations involved. Otherwise, the significance of the message may be lost, or not transmitted in the appropriate way. Additional time should also be allowed for the messages to be communicated and understood. 

A communications and education programme should also be initiated for all international work. This will keep participants and stakeholders informed regarding events and activities. The programme can also be used to help the understanding of differences and promote ways of reducing any differences. The programme itself can be developed in a combination of different forms, such as newsletters, briefings and presentations.

Presentations

During international work, there are many times when there is a need to make presentations to participants or stakeholders, in order to convey specific messages. Any presentation will need to take account of a number of different factors, including:

	Culture and language
	Delivery methods to be used
	Knowledge and awareness of participants
	Message to be conveyed
	Timescales for presentation

With international work, the presentations may be more difficult as a result of  problems relating to language, or culture. Although, there are ways in which the understanding of a message can be improved, these include. 

	Avoid the use of slang and colloquialisms
	Emphasise key points with acceptable body language
	Make extensive use of simple diagrams and illustrations
	Speak slowly and pronounce each word clearly
	Use numbers where possible
	Use simple examples, to reinforce specific points

Once the message has been conveyed, there is often a need to ensure that the message has been understood. There are a number of techniques in which the understanding of the message can be tested, or confirmed, including:

	Follow up with a written, or recorded version, where possible
	Get participants to repeat, or summarise, key points, in their own words
	Include some short term Actions to provide an indication of response levels
	Use group discussion sessions to emphasise points

Using these techniques will help to ensure that the message is communicated effectively and understood by the organisations or nations involved. This will help to prevent misunderstandings in a project, helping to ensure its success.

Related areas within this Research Focus topic,  include:

Language       Training       Coordination    Culture

Additional information is also available on this Research Focus topic, these areas include:

Assessment   Meetings     Resources             

Return to the  Introduction  page of this Research Focus topic.