Importance of Cultural Intelligence in Canadian Workplace

This essay argues for the importance of ‘cultural intelligence’ in the Canadian workplace. It delves deeper into the various aspects related to cultural intelligence and generates a self-reflection based on the importance and practice of ‘cultural intelligence’. The essay concludes that cultural identity is important in the Canadian workplace and serves to erase the various differences.

Running head: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Business Communication
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Introduction
Aiming to comprehend the importance of ‘cultural intelligence’, this essay endeavors to
delve deeper into the various aspects related to cultural intelligence at the workplace. The
following paragraphs will endeavor to argue for the fact that the implementation and practice of
‘cultural intelligence’ is relevant for the maintenance of the health of the Canadian workplace.
The following paragraphs will also endeavor to generate a self-reflection based on the
importance and practice of ‘cultural intelligence’.
Discussion
It has to be accepted that the aspect of ‘cultural identity’ encompasses the three notions of
personal, social relational and communal identity (Hall, 2016). The presence of ‘cultural
identity’ assists in the establishment of proper communications in the workplace. The three
constituent sections, tend to form a whole to represent the cultural identity. Similar to the
concentric circles in an onion, the notion of cultural identity is constituted by the three layers. In
addition to the above-mentioned ideas, the metaphor of an onion can also be used to understand
the relation amongst the varied forms of communication and the intrinsic layers of the cultural
identity. Recent studies are emblematic of the idea that ‘cultural identity’ also encompasses the
notion of the sense of belonging. It also includes the conception of the ability to amalgamate the
various cultural differences to work in a culturally diverse arena. The constituent circles in the
onion contributes to form the whole. Likewise, my first level of personal identity yields an
impact on the verbal and non-verbal communication (Alvídrez et al., 2015). Verbal and non-
verbal communication consists of the idea of exchange of meanings through symbols (Beck,
Pahlke & Seebach, 2016). The traits vested in the personal identity is reflected in the processes

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of communication. My verbal communication faculties are affected by the cultural confidence
and interpretations that I exude in certain situations.
Social identity refers to the identity that is subject to the preconceived notions associated
with groups (Hoyt & Simon, 2016). Studies reveal the idea that the presence of social identity
can mould and affect the various levels of interpersonal interactions. It is also observed that the
second layer of social identity yields a direct impact upon the constituent layer of the
interpersonal communication because ‘social identity’ is reflective of the concept of
categorization of people and groups. My personal sense of social identity forms a major part in
the manner in which I communicate and categorize people. Henri Tajfel’s ‘social identity’ also
encompasses the notion of identity that is derived from the sense of connection with the groups
in society (Sindic & Candor, 2014). In addition to this, the fourth concentric circle of ‘communal
identity’ affects the various levels of communication. Communal identity refers to the identity
that is depended on the various communal practices and rituals in the group (McDowell, 2016).
My sense of ‘communal identity’ affects my interpersonal levels of communication with other
indigenous Canadian groups. I have identified with certain rituals prevalent in the group
activities. This has formed a basis for my beliefs that are reflected in my interpersonal
communication.
Reflecting upon my personal experience, I can mention that the presence of ‘cultural
identity’ affects and moulds the various levels of interpersonal communication. It was seen that
during one of the inter-group activities, I had understood the relevance of ‘cultural identity’.
During one of the inter-group activities, my sense of personal identity had affected my ability to
communicate. Due to the sheer lack of confidence on my personal knowledge about the inter-
cultural relations, I had not been able to articulate my thoughts in a comprehensive manner. The

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twos groups had consisted of seven members each. While I was aware of the cultural inclinations
of the members of my group, I did not exhibit any signs of proper knowledge and interpretation
of my cultural identity and that of the conflicting views of others. This had led to the perpetration
of miscommunication and confusion. My personal cultural identity had included certain wrong
interpretations of the indigenous cultural implications. In the inter-group activity, I had
endeavored to present an innovative strategy. However, I had not taken into consideration the
cultural implications of the strategy upon the indigenous Canadian group. This had paved the
way for conflicts in opinion amongst the group members. Reflecting upon the incident, I can
mention that this had resulted due to the lack of the amalgamation of the personal, social and
communal cultural identity, the conflicts had ensued. A closer look will reveal that the lack of
social connection and identification with the cultural nuances of the indigenous Canadians had
resulted in the perpetration of confusion. While I was well-conversant with the communal
identities and practices of my social group, I exhibited little knowledge of the ritual practices of
the other group. Upon reflecting, I can mention that this incident could have been avoided if I
had exhibited cultural intelligence. Being a team leader, I should have endeavored to amalgamate
the differences by implementing the social and communal identities. In the future, the situation
will be avoided by implementing these ideas.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that cultural identity is important in the Canadian workplace. It
serves to erase the various differences. It can also be concluded that the presence of ‘cultural
identity’ can prove to be beneficial for the managers.

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References
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Hall, S. (2014). Cultural identity and diaspora. In Diaspora and visual culture (pp. 35-47).
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