Communication Problems in a Business

"The Road to Hell" is paved with the good intentions of two individuals who both speak English but who mean subtly different things with the same words. Their interpersonal motives are at odds. John Baker sees his role as the benevolent father figure, grooming young Matthew Rennalls to fit into Baker's culture. Rennalls sees himself as the independent crusader, working to take over enterprises which rightfully belong to his own people. Baker and Rennalls will be unable to transact business with each other until they both clearly understand what each wants and what they are willing to bargain with: Baker wants Rennalls to behave more like a European, Rennalls wants to be respected and valued for his Barracanian heritage without having to specifically ask for this respect. Each is operating with a different set of rules, despite the common ground of the company's own culture.

Baker and Rennalls have never truly communicated with each other, and their relationship has become maladaptive as a result. Baker believes his job is one of "educating the natives;" he never grasps how condescending this paternalistic approach is. Rennalls is nearly as guilty by refusing to discuss racial and cultural issues openly. His position as Baker's subordinate obviously made it difficult to confront issues as inflammatory as race, but Rennalls should have been able to capitalize on their informal relationship (which seemed close and casual but which obviously was not) to talk about matters

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Category: Business - C