Understanding and improving communication processes in an increasingly multicultural aged care workforce

Abstract

This study explored how culture shapes relationships in aged care and the extent to which the residential aged care sector supports a cohesive multicultural workforce. An exploratory methodology utilising semi-structured questionnaires collected data from 58 participants comprising: staff who provide direct care to residents; managers; and family members from six residential care facilities in Perth, Western Australia. Communication issues emerged as an over-arching theme, and included interpersonal communication, the effect of cultural norms on communication and the impact of informal and formal workplace policies relating to spoken and written language. Sixty percent of participants from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) background had experienced negative reactions from residents with dementia, linked to visible cultural difference. They used a range of coping strategies including ignoring, resilience and avoidance in such situations. CaLD participants also reported prejudicial treatment from non-CaLD staff. The findings highlight the need for organisations to incorporate explicit processes which address the multiple layers of influence on cross cultural communication: internalised beliefs and values; moderating effects of education, experience and social circumstance; and factors external to the individuals, including workplace culture and the broader political economy, to develop a cohesive multicultural workplace.

Challenges faced by international nurses when migrating: an integrative literature review

“…An inadequate grasp of the mainstream language, including the colloquial language and slang used in the host country, can be a barrier for international nurses wishing to socialize or express themselves (Magnusdottir ; Nichols et al. ; Zhou et al. ).…”

“…Furthermore, healthcare teams acted in an unfriendly many towards international nurses (Beaton & Walsh ; Obrey & Vydelingum ) and held pre‐formed judgements of and had low tolerance for international nurses (Nichols et al. ).…”

“…Nichols et al. () found that native staff may experience feelings of tension when international nurses are allowed to communicate in their mother tongue in the work environment. This can also cause native nurses to drift away from or marginalize international nurses.…”

“…Moceri () and Nichols et al. () use of questionnaires in their qualitative studies also reduced the richness of the data collected. This review showed that, despite having studies that incorporated international nurses from different countries, no studies have been conducted in the Asia region.…”

Practical Suggestions for Preventing Conflicts through a Better Understanding of Culture and Differences: Tips, Anecdotes, and the Impact of Public Events

“…The main purpose of the present article is to offer a pragmatic approach, based on personal experiences in cross-cultural research, [7][8][9][10] by sharing some tips, anecdotes, and the eventual impact on public events. Hopefully some of these personal hints might serve professionals and other readers interested in promoting a better dialogue between different cultures thus going a little way towards solving conflicts, preventing violence, and achieving peace through tolerance.…”