Bridging Communication Gaps in a Global Supply Chain Workforce
Article from MHI Solutions Magazine
As Supply Chains expand across borders, cultures and time zones, communication has become both more complex and more essential. Operations depend on people who think differently, work differently and bring varied expectations to the table. When aligned, that diversity fuels innovation, agility and creative problem‑solving. When misaligned, it can slow decisions, strain relationships and compromise performance.
To understand the communication barriers—and opportunities—inside global supply chain teams, I spoke with Mercedes Barragan, Global Inclusion & Diversity Programs Manager at MHI member Dematic, and WERC member Rick Gott, Director of Global Logistics at W.L. Gore & Associates. Each offered candid insights into what it takes to communicate effectively across increasingly diverse supply chain organizations.
The Influence of Human Differences
Diversity shows up in dozens of ways: culture, language, gender, generation, education, neurodiversity and even regional communication norms. In the supply chain, those differences can have an outsized impact on how information is shared, decisions are made and trust is built.
“These differences shape how people share information, interpret feedback and make decisions,” noted Barragan. Her work focuses on supporting a globally distributed workforce and ensuring every employee can show up authentically. “When companies create a psychologically safe environment that values these diverse perspectives, they decrease misunderstandings and strengthen collaboration. This ultimately improves operational outcomes…”
