Multicultural workplace: A challenge to internal crisis communication?

Purpose - To explore internal crisis communication in multicultural environments. Methodology - After a review of relevant literature on intercultural communication, internal crisis communication and multicultural approaches to crisis communication, results from qualitative interviews with internal communicators in 7 different organizations in Denmark are presented. Findings – Multiculturalism seems to play an important role in crisis events, especially when it comes to employees located in other countries. Internal communicators adapt crisis communication by relying mainly on local communicators and leaders as competent cultural interpreters. Employees are also seen as active sensemakers and potential ambassadors in critical situations. Research implications - Further research is needed to explore the perspective of multicultural employees. Practical implications - Companies should be more aware of the challenges related to language and cultural differences in communication styles, non-verbal features and work values.