Final answer:
Cross-cultural communications training primarily covers workplace cultural etiquette and interpersonal skills, and may also include learning about the history of other nations to develop understanding and respect among diverse work cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cross-cultural communications training plays a crucial role in the modern, diverse workplace. It helps in developing cultural awareness, empathy, and cultural competence necessary for a global workforce. While literacy training and computer-based simulations might be part of broader training programs, they are not specifically tailored for cross-cultural communications. Cultural etiquette and interpersonal skills, however, are directly relevant as they facilitate better interactions and understanding among employees from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Learning about the history of other nations can also contribute to cultural competence by providing context and background knowledge that can enhance understanding. However, the primary focus of cross-cultural communications training is to equip employees with the skills to respect, communicate, and collaborate effectively in a diverse environment. In addition to history, this often includes understanding the dynamics of working within teams, commonly referred to as T-groups, where the emphasis is on group development and interactions.
Indeed, the effective navigation of cultural differences in the workplace can lead to improved teamwork and potentially reduce or eliminate prejudice, as suggested by Pettigrew and Tropp (2006). Therefore, cross-cultural communications training tends to focus on practical applications in the workplace, ensuring that employees are well-prepared to work in a global market with suppliers, coworkers, and customers from various backgrounds.