“It is a luxury to be understood.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
The workforce and marketplace of today is increasingly more diverse. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, approximately 25% of the population is non-white. Companies of all sizes and industries are grappling with how to create new value for shareholders and constituents in order to remain competitive. As growth within traditional market segments moderates, the focus on Hispanic, African American and Asian segments is increasing. Many organizations now realize the need to align their organizational strategies to capture new and emerging market opportunities. Culturally appropriate communication is a critical component – and one size does not fit all. Here are a few tips for effective multi-cultural communications for individuals and organizations: