Communication in a Global Workplace: Issues and Challenges

• This Scientific Research Journal highlights the role of communication in the growth of the global workplace and the benefits thereof.
• This research Journal was first published on University of Uyo Journal of Humanities by its author Nevelyn William Batta, PhD

[earn] In 1998, when Townsend and his colleagues wrote on Virtual Teams: Technology and the Workplace of the Future, they were foretelling the global workplace. According to them, a group of technologies including desktop, video conferencing, collaborative software, and internet/intranet systems will converge to forge the foundation of a new workplace. This new workplace will be unrestrained by geography, time, and organizational boundaries; [earn] it will be a virtual workplace where productivity, flexibility, and collaboration will reach unprecedented levels. The global workforce is becoming increasingly prevalent due to this potential.

There is no gain saying the fact that global workspaces are brought about by globalization. Globalization is described by Tomlinson (1997) cited in Miller (2006) as the rapidly developing processes of complex connections between societies, cultures, institutions, and individuals. Changes in business practices, development of modernization programs to help meet new challenges, and liberalization of markets, are in Miller's (2006) view, the outcomes of globalization.

[earn]

Further, the nature of work has undergone a transformative shift, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural andscapes. The advent of a global workspace has brought about a paradigmatic change in the way communication is perceived and practiced

within organizations. As the multifaceted realm of organizational communication is

considered, the scholarly works of Antos (2011), Cheney (2011), and Keyton (2010, 2011) provide a rich foundation for understanding the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics, the impact of globalization, and the role of communication in shaping an organizational culture of the global workspace.

Moreover, the organizational communication landscape within a global framework is intricately discussed by scholars such as Cheney (2011) and Canary (2011). The issues and reflections presented in these works shed light on the evolving nature of communication structures and practices, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts. Keyton's (2010, 2011) invaluable insights, presented in case studies and discussions on organizational culture, offer a lens through which we can examine real-world

scenarios and their implications for communication strategies in a global workspace. As we navigate the complexities of modern organizational dynamics, Keyton's work becomes an essential resource for unraveling the multifaceted interplay between communication practices and the development of organizational culture.

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