Group Members

Md. Maruf Hassan Md. Shaheduzzaman

SN: 20121205049 SN: 20121205044
MBA in HRM MBA in HRM
Dept. Of Management studies Dept. Of Management studies
BSMRSTU BSMRSTU
 A case study on
miscommunication in
multicultural teams
 Arup is out of the office

Arup has just joined the Banglore office of a

New York based MNC. As part of his training
he will be spending 3 months in the US, but
has already been assigned to a team with
members in New York, Tokyo and Banglore.
 Arup is out of the office

Otilia, the New York based project manager,

has scheduled a teleconference meeting for
Tuesday. Arup will be traveling to Delhi to
get his US visa over the meeting time.
Heres their conversation
Otilia: Can we do the teleconference
tomorrow, 7 pm for you, or should we
wait until you get back?

Arup: Better if we can wait, but I can do

it if you like if its necessary.

Otilia: Do you want to postpone it? Tell

me, yes or no?
 Reflection

1. What cultural and/or personality traits are

influencing the communication?

2. What is Otilia likely to be thinking/feeling?

3. What is Arup likely to be thinking/feeling?

 What cultural and/or personality traits
are influencing the communication?

Arup is in a difficult situation. As a new team member he is

unfamiliar with the team culture and Otilias communication style.
While he is attempting to communicate that he would like to
postpone the meeting, Otilia is not picking up on his indirect
messages.
What is Otilia likely to be
thinking/feeling?

As a project manager, Otilia should seek to

understand the different communication styles
of her virtual team members. She might
consider inviting a consultant to facilitate an
open dialogue about cultural differences and
the work culture of the team
What is Arup likely to be thinking/feeling?

Since Arup is new to the team and to the company, he

should adapt to a more direct communication style and
not interpret Otilias bluntness as rudeness.
Have You any Question ???