Pam Nichols|Barbara Horner|Katrina Fyfe
Understanding and improving communication processes in an increasingly multicultural aged care workforce
Dementia Australia|Curtin University|Curtin University|Queensland University of Technology|University of Tasmania|Curtin University
study explored culture shapes relationships aged care extent residential aged care sector supports cohesive multicultural workforce exploratory methodology utilising semistructured questionnaires collected data 58 participants comprising staff provide direct care residents managers family members six residential care facilities perth western australia communication issues emerged overarching theme included interpersonal communication effect cultural norms communication impact informal formal workplace policies relating spoken written language sixty percent participants culturally linguistically diverse cald background experienced negative reactions residents dementia linked visible cultural difference used range coping strategies including ignoring resilience avoidance situations cald participants also reported prejudicial treatment noncald staff findings highlight need organisations incorporate explicit processes address multiple layers influence cross cultural communication internalised beliefs values moderating effects education experience social circumstance factors external individuals including workplace culture broader political economy develop cohesive multicultural workplace