SIS online programs professor and intercultural consultant Melissa Hahn joins Big World to discuss the importance of fostering strong interpersonal relationships in the global workforce. Hahn is the author of a recent book titled, Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce: Build Rapport, Camaraderie, and Optimal Performance No Matter the Time Zone.

Hahn, who teaches intercultural communication, begins our conversation by sharing her inspiration for writing this book with her colleague, Brandeis University professor Andy Molinsky (1:47 ). She also describes, in broad strokes, the approach her book lays out for building more authentic cross-cultural relationships in the workplace (2:37 ).

Why is it important to build cross-cultural relationships in business settings (6:46 )? Does the United States’ approach and framework for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives translate to a global context (12:00 )? Hahn answers these questions and ends our discussion by offering practical advice for anyone wanting to form more authentic intercultural relationships (14:44 ).

In the “Take 5” segment (9:54 ) of this episode, Hahn answers this question: What are five tools to help build cross-cultural relationships?