1. Introduction
1.1 Brief Background of the Topic
The relationship among intercultural communication and intercultural sensitivity due to social categorisation is complex in the 21st century. As mentioned by Sarwari et al. (2024), communication is one of the most important parts of human life, especially when surviving in a multicultural environment. Currently, individuals from different cultures are more familiar with the intercultural communication rules, and it is highly essential in building peaceful and harmonious diverse communities in the multicultural environment. Social categorization significantly impacted intercultural communication as it segregated people as per social levels, gender, and income.
1.2 Problem Statement
The problem highlights the stereotypical behaviour of the people belonging from different cultures hampering the productivity of the workplace. The relationship issue is the major challenge among intercultural team members that leads to social isolation. Negative impact of social categorization has occurred due to cultural misunderstanding and communication barriers hamper overall reputation in the workplace. Considering the information, the study has carried out utilisation of secondary resources, as intercultural communication is more important in managing relations.
1.3 Research Question
Social classification plays an important role in shaping people's perception of cultural differences in multicultural groups. It affects trust, cooperation and communication strategies by strengthening differences and strengthening unity. By grouping people based on social characteristics such as race or culture, people mistakenly emphasize differences and prevent cooperation. However, effective social interventions can narrow these gaps by promoting identity and mutual understanding. In addition, understanding the power of social class strengthens intercultural relations and conflict resolution, as it helps to correct power imbalances, encouraging empathy and promote inclusive interactions in diverse cultures.
1.4 Significance of topic
Social classification is the most significant aspect that generally divides the hierarchical group construction in development of the communication and relation schedule. Hence, a detailed analysis of the key impact of social classification sincerely to edifying its influence on cultural communication and relationships in multicultural environments. As better understanding is also helpful to increase the ability of understanding and cooperation between groups. In addition, social categorization affects attitudes, stereotypes and interactions that can compromise and prevent effective communication among the cultural groups.
1.5 Rationale behind the selection of the article
Table 1: Rationale about selection article
2. Annotated Bibliography
2.1 Article 1
“Verkuyten, M. (2014). Identity and Cultural Diversity. Routledge.”
Summary of the article
On the basis of the discussion in the selected article, it has been determined that identity is considered a complex and confusing concept. The concept of identity is quite obvious, yet the definition and description of identity are sometimes rejected. The article also sheds light on the national identity that is related to diversity culture. Since the last ten years, the Dutch identity has been involved in serious matters in countries, especially in the European countries. The article also provides detailed analysis regarding the development of identity and duality along with ethnic discrimination. The difference between blue and brown eyes can also be discussed in the article to represent the differentiation among individuals and also share the sense of togetherness to promote multicultural relationships.
Analysis of resources
From the evaluation of the article, it has been demonstrated that due to the increase in immigration, European unification resulted in huge cultural diversity. Additionally, a multicultural environment might threaten the national identity of dutches and also the solidarity related to this. Further understanding from the study reveals that social psychology is not just a homogenous discipline, as there were inevitable limitations to the social psychologist's contributions. From the discussion of the article, it has also been found that Princess Maxima has been married to the Dutch crown prince, and she has become the perfect example of immigrant integration in a country, and that helps in the understanding of the identity of a person. Further findings of the respected article reveal that the concept of cultural diversity within the countries can significantly enrich the societies and local communities by leading to new tribalism, which threatens social cohesion and democracy. Moreover, the resources of the article provide information and spread knowledge that the psychological procedures are always not the same as the empirical rules in the real world of humans.
Reflection
On the basis of the information in the article, I have gained knowledge regarding the importance and challenges of identity in a national context, especially during immigration. Additionally, my knowledge regarding identity is that due to the richness and complexity of the ethical identity of a person, intergroup relationships cannot be evaluated with little prediction of motivational and cognitive processes. I have also understood from the discussion of the article that due to identity issues, lots of people in the world face issues in foreign countries, and due to discrimination, people from different backgrounds do not properly correlate with multicultural environments.
2.2 Article 2
“Garcia-Prieto, P., Bellard, E., & C.Schneider, S. (2003). Experiencing diversity, Conflict and emotion on Teams.”
Summary of the article
In the current competitive era, the rise of the team is more beneficial for the ambiguous features of the organisation that in term encounter complexities through intercultural interaction. The involvement of the diverse team addresses the overall problem by improving the creativity of the organisation through innovative solutions. Experiencing diversity among teams acts as nominal categorization for the work that brings individuals with diverse backgrounds fostering more innovation and conflict response. The social identity is more important characterised based on emotion and conflict. The diversity paradox encountered with certain difficulties in term hampers the overall team performance by addressing conflict among team members. Different types of diversity are more effective in handling team processes by analysing person-oriented conflict that hampers the overall team performance.
Analysis of resources
Based on the article it has been analysed that the impact of the diversity categories describes people by focusing on attitude, values, beliefs, and underlying team interaction. The stereotypical behaviour of the employees faced massive issues related to discrimination that in turn led to the rise of conflict in work. The diversity has been measured based on individual approaches that in turn hamper the appraisal events. The cognitive appraisal is provided based on the conflict that has been analysed through the behavioural choices of the people by encountering social identities. Diversity and its impact have its major benefits enhancing decision making, overcoming stereotype behaviour, and cultural mismatch by enriching the team to improve business. Managing emotion among team members by seeking clarification and more focus on the inclusive environment through informed decision-making of the teams. Appraisal is provided to team members based on analysing the emotions related to the work and subsequently analysing team performance through cognitive maintenance. Although managing diversity and conflict in the work by ensuring team members regarding the development of the inclusion culture and open communication in achieving business objectives.
Reflection
Based on the above analysis, I have analysed recognizing diversity through active listening by accepting differences based on analysing the cultural background of individuals. However, improving conflict by more focus on communication to express the emotions of the people through mediation and conflict resolution. Managing emotion related to work by copying with mechanisms and seeking support from colleagues in achieving goals through a positive work culture. Thus, regular access to team behaviour is more imminent to seek opportunities in the work in terms of gaining insights through a diverse training process.
2.3 Article 3
“Nicoleta, P. R. (2023). The Impact of Intercultural Communication on Cultural Intelligence. Management and Economics Review, 8(2), 220–236. https://doi.org/10.24818/mer/2023.06-07”
Summary of the article
The Research article is also effectively examining the relationship between intercultural communication (IC) and cultural intelligence (CQ) in multinational companies. In addition, this study also focuses on the influence of IC on the development of CQ at the individual level in culturally diverse organisations. Thus, in this case a cross sectional survey was also performed throughout the research with a sample of 367 employees from several Romanian companies that were helpful for gathering real time insight in an effective manner. The correlation among the key factorial composition of CQ such as behavioural, motivational, cognitive, and metacognitive are also be acquired to examine its key impact on individual adaptability and performance in diverse settings.
Analysis of resources
This study examines the relationship between the characteristics of intercultural communication (IC) and cultural intelligence (CQ) in a multicultural workplace. It is hypothesised that cross-cultural communication has a positive effect on CQ dimensions, namely metacognitive, cognitive, motivational and behavioural CQ. Using quantitative research, data was collected from a sample of 367 employees from several companies through IC and CQ questionnaires. The analysis, carried out using SPSS, confirmed the positive relationship between IC and CQ, although some relationships were moderate, such as the relationship between IC and metacognitive CQ (r = 0.281 ). The coefficient of determination (R2) for this relationship is 7.9%, which means that 7.9% of the variance in metacognitive CQ can be explained by IC. This suggests that cross-cultural communication significantly improves CQ levels, thereby improving communication and performance in multicultural environments. Based on the evaluation it is also identified that High IC levels significantly improve task performance and build trust factor in different multicultural settings. Hence, this particular insight is also tailored to the integrated IC assessment which can also be taken advantage of in their recruitment process and prepare candidates with strong intercultural skills.
Reflection
I believe that the findings are an important reminder of the important role of intercultural communication in promoting cultural awareness in multicultural settings. Hence, this kind of effective communication builds trust and improves performance makes me understand the importance of developing these skills in selecting employees. This research encourages me to rethink how to deal with cultural differences in the workplace. Overall, investing in intercultural communication training also significantly increases the motivation of team and organisational success with ensuring long-term sustainability.
2.4 Article 4
“Elias, A., & Mansouri, F. (2020). A Systematic Review of Studies on Interculturalism and Intercultural Dialogue. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 41(4), 490–523. https://doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2020.1782861”
Summary of the article
Social categorization is considered one of the important aspects of intercultural communications as well as influences the impact of a multicultural environment. In this context, developing groups based on cultural background directly impacts the interactions and perceptions. Intercultural communication involves communicating opinions and distinctions as well as seeking more in-depth knowledge of diverse viewpoints and techniques. The overall analysis stated that developing proper communication strategies is considered important for optimising positive relationships with respect to the diverse population culture.
Demonstrate an understanding of resources
This article presents the determinations of a systematic literature review (SLR) of analyses on the way in culture, apprehended by two interrelated themes interculturalism (IC) as well as intercultural dialogue (ICD). Originally, 16,582 known peer-reviewed papers and book chapters printed in the years 2000-2017 were determined. The emergence of the concept of intercultural theory must be apprehended from different critical theoretical discussions. It was found that studies of immigrant integration and the dynamics of diversity administration have proposed a distinction in terms of originality in comparison to diversity. In the current context, positive communication and interaction with diverse groups are beneficial to ensure growth and development in all aspects.
The intercultural strategy encourages conversation between various socio-cultural classes as a means of learning from each other and working together to develop the wider community. After extracting duplicates, 11,712 individual investigations formed the foundation of this SLR. The results show that the main theoretical and intellectual basis for intercultural thinking is built on exchange, discussion, interaction and adaptation. The analysis considers the four dimensions as essential components of the broad cross-cultural framework, and no substantial differences were encountered between the different purposes of IC and ICD. IC delivers the theoretical foundation that enables the discussion of ICD around cultural interaction and discussion across diversity.
Reflection
I feel that the selected analysis on interculturalism and intercultural dialogue has delivered a proper understanding of the cultural aspects of issues related to communication. In this context, the selected article based on the initial topic has delivered information related to interaction with diverse cultures across the world with future problems and opportunities. On the other hand, the critical evaluation of the analysis delivered an illustration based on communication and relationship processes with respect to multicultural backgrounds. As per the analysis, these aspects are important for reducing the number of biases with the growth of inclusivity.
2.5 Article 5
“Zhou, R., Luo, Z., Zhong, S., Zhang, X., & Liu, Y. (2022). The Impact of Social Media on Employee Mental Health and Behavior Based on the Context of Intelligence-Driven Digital Data. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(24), 16965. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416965”
Summary
Based on the discussions provided in the above article, it has been observed that the social categories of employees have a significant impact on the flow of communication among workers in a company. The employees in an organisation are more comfortable interacting with colleagues belonging to the same sex and culture. On the other hand, it has also been observed that companies discourage the inclusion of social categorisation in its work environment as it strains the relationship between employees and hampers the organisational diversity of the company. Overall, it has been observed that, in spite of providing the employees with the opportunity to interact with compatible colleagues, the inclusion of social categorisations reduces the organisational harmony of the company and also reduces its productivity significantly.
Analysis of the Resources
The above article has also identified the role of media tools in reducing the impact of social categorisation on employees. In the concerned study, it has been observed that the use of social media tools such as Facebook has provided the opportunity to employees belonging to different cultures to interact extensively with each other. On the contrary, other social media websites such as LinkedIn have also helped employees in interacting with a wide range of individuals to secure proper employment. Overall, as per the information provided in the above article, it has been observed that social media tools have helped employees in overcoming ethnic barriers and collaborate efficiently to achieve set goals for the company.
Reflection
As per the information provided in the article, I feel that I have been able to improve my knowledge regarding the impact of social categorisation on the productivity of employees. I have also gained adequate information about the role of social categorisation in developing communication activities among the workers of the organisation. In my opinion, I feel that social categorisation increases rigidity among employees in collaborating with other workers belonging to other cultures and also hampers the occupational harmony of the company. Therefore, I believe that the inclusion of social categorisation needs to be removed from the work culture of companies. I also gained knowledge regarding the use of social media in improving the quality of communication carried out between employees belonging to different cultures and beliefs. Overall, I feel that the article has helped me develop a proper understanding regarding the concept of social categorisation and its impact on the communication process followed in companies.
3. Conclusion
In conclusion, the selected articles collectively illustrate the complex relationship between social grouping, identity and cultural exchange in multicultural settings. However, maintain proper diversity is helpful to better alignment of communication channels and understanding to strengthen cooperation as well as innovation.