Promoting Inclusive Organizational Identity

Abstract

Social identities create distance and obstacles in communication among members of different cultural groups in organizations. Past research suggested that an inclusive cultural identity can help reduce the negativity among groups. An interview study with participants (N=20) from both China and the United States was included to demonstrate the effects of the inclusive cultural identity on reducing communication disconnect in intergenerational communication. The study explored roles of generational identities in communication between the Millennials and Baby Boomers in organizations using social identity theory. The results revealed that Chinese participants had a stronger national cultural identity than their American counterparts. The stronger national cultural identity weakened subcultural differences based on generational identities and reduced the intergroup negativity. Based on the findings of the study, the chapter gave some practical suggestions for leaders to enhance intergroup communication in diverse organizations.