Instructor: Çağrı Topal BA 4216 Cross-cultural Studies in Organizations Theories of intercultural communication Instructor: Çağrı Topal

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

Language and intercultural communication Linguistic competence Non-linguistic competence Emotional and interpersonal factors Intercultural experience and practice

Types of theories Psychological Individuals Sociological Conditions of individuals

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

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

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

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

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