Twentieth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

This discussion provides conference attendees perspective in intercultural communication within the context of race relations in the corporate sector. Culture is a critical business imperative in the corporate sector. When employees understand their value in client decisions and organizational practices, they not only become engaged; they become empowered. To create thriving, equity-driven workplaces and employee experiences, this study highlights moments where tackling race relations and brave conversations can enhance workplace communication and employee engagement. In intercultural communication, we define its contexts as communication between people from different countries, people from different co-cultures within the same country, people who vary in gender, age, religion, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, language, socio-economic class, or whose lives vary in other significant ways that bring about different cultural ways of seeing and interacting. In addition, research has shown cultural intelligence (CQ) stems from the innerworkings of intercultural communication. CQ has been utilized as an essential tool to develop competent leaders in culturally diverse environments and transactions with colleagues. Many students will enter the corporate industry after completing their undergraduate and/or graduate education. Conference participants will receive insight into the corporate sector and also consider best practices as a guide to have brave conversations regarding race relations and diversity in the workplace. As a final benefit, participants will review helpful tips on how to develop oneself as a leader within the workplace while maintaining one’s own ideology and racial identity.