Communicating Across Cultures – Understanding Culture

The second virtual event of the Communicating Across Cultures series featured a discussion about workplace culture and communication at AT&T led by James O’Rourke, a professor in the Mendoza College of Business, with guest speaker, Chris Murphy ‘89, VP of Corporate Communications at AT&T, and moderated by Amanda McKendree, professor in the Mendoza College of Business. This event aimed to understand how large corporations like AT&T create and communicate their culture across different areas of business and to its customers, as well as how business is moving forward through an increasingly diverse and value-driven employee and consumer base. Murphy offered specific insights into culture and communication from his perspective working at AT&T.

O’Rourke started off the event by explaining how culture is a person’s way of seeing the world and knowing how to behave in it. He then opened the conversation with Murphy by asking him to describe AT&T’s purpose, culture, and how it fares as a place of work. Murphy answered by describing AT&T’s many business operations and units. Since AT&T is such a large company, one of the challenges it faces is that it can be difficult to deliver a unified culture to all of its employees. Murphy admitted that what he may say about AT&T’s culture could be different from other employees’ experiences because of the size of the company. Murphy cited AT&T as a company that rewards great work from its employees and as a company that values work-life balance, which he appreciates as a father of two children. He mentioned that finding a singular focus and goal within the entire company is what will help AT&T deliver the same great culture to all employees.

O’Rourke agreed that it’s important to find a company whose values match one’s own. One thing Murphy feels AT&T does well and is proud of within its culture is welcoming diversity. AT&T has nearly 87,000 employees of color. Having a diverse workplace is not only a “moral imperative,” but a “business imperative” as well. From the corporate standpoint, Murphy asserted businesses must have a diverse leadership team in order to successfully reach and understand their customers and vice versa. More diversity in ideas will also result in better leadership, ideas, and relationships. If the company’s leadership team can successfully communicate these values, they will trickle down the management levels and remain for the long-term.

Besides diversity, Murphy discussed how relationship building can be important for any business or individual. Having an open line of communication and friendly working relationships between employees will positively affect the culture of the company. Chemistry between an employee and the company culture is important when AT&T looks for a new hire. O’Rourke agreed that building good working relationships within a team and between various levels within the company will make work more enjoyable and foster a greater sense of camaraderie. Murphy advised young professionals to seek out mentors. A mentorship can be rewarding to both the mentor and mentee. 

The discussion concluded with O’Rourke providing a helpful resource for people who want to learn more about culture and business, particularly a book titled Intercultural Communication for Business written by Elizabeth A. Teluja, PhD.

Visit the event page for more.