BA 4216 Cross-cultural Studies in Organizations Theories of intercultural communication

1
BA 4216Cross-cultural Studiesin
OrganizationsTheories of intercultural
communication

• Instructor Çagri Topal

2
Theories

• Organize and summarize the knowledge of different
  cultures
• Clarify complex cultural relationships
• Help focus on important variables and
  relationships
• Help determine what and how to observe and
  interpret
• Help predict scientifically

3
Language andintercultural communication

• Linguistic competence
• Non-linguistic competence
• Emotional and interpersonal factors
• Intercultural experience and practice

4
Types of theories

• Psychological
• Individuals
• Sociological
• Conditions of individuals

5
Culture shock theory

• Initial contact
• Initial culture shock
• Superficial adjustment
• Depression/isolation
• Reintegration/compensation stage
• Autonomy/independence stage

6
General systems theory

• Stress resulting from the lack of understanding
  of host culture
• Adaptability as the capacity to alter some old
  ways to accommodate new ways
• Cognitive adaptation intercultural identity
• Affective adaptation psychological health
• Operational adaptation functional fitness
• One-way relationship between the foreigner and
  the host culture

7
Uncertainty reduction theory

• Communication to reduce uncertainty and anxiety
• Developing trust through communication
• Communication facilitated by trust
• Reciprocal relation between trust and
  communication
• Decrease in uncertainty and anxiety through trust
  and communication
• No responsibility of the host-country members

8
Convergence theory

• Communication as a dynamic process of convergence
• Communication as a series of converging cycles of
  information exchange toward a greater degree of
  mutual understanding
• Conditions of unrestricted communication
• Cultural preconceptions and divergence
• Cost of developing and sustaining convergence not
  considered
• Power relations ignored
• No responsibility for host nationals

9
Interpersonal theory

• Concepts
• Intimacy or closeness (starting point)
• Performance or competence (ending point)
• Features
• Context
• Conduct
• Content
• Communication as an interpersonal relationship
  building