The purpose of the present thesis is to examine if and to which extent cultures converge in an international business environment and if intercultural competence has a bearing on it. Therefore, theoretical and practical insights in the subject of culture, its implicit and explicit differences, as well as its measurements will be provided. Due to the fact that communication - as a major cultural attribute - is the most obvious level on which cultural differences are recognized, insights in the topic of cross-cultural and intercultural communication will be given. A thorough discussion of the concept of culture and communication is beyond the scope of this paper, but in what follows, an adequate overview of recognized and well-known researchers? theories and findings will be provided. Besides giving theoretical background knowledge, it will be examined whether the internationally defined soft skills of intercultural competence can be seen as an approach towards a universal interculture, likewise a universal communication. The topic of the present thesis will be illustrated by a case study, as well as researched and evaluated by a field study conducted at one of the most culturally diverse organization - the United Nations. Findings should only expose tendencies to confirm or disprove previous research findings in the field of cross-cultural comparative research and intercultural communication. It is not intended to present new empirical findings.
Table of Content
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Present Thesis
1.2 Structure of the Present Thesis
2 Case Study
3 Culture and its Implications
3.1 Definition of Culture
3.2 Cross-Cultural Comparative Research Theories
3.3 Cross-Cultural Comparative Research Studies
3.3.1 Hofstede
3.3.2 Trompenaar & Hampden-Turner
3.3.3 Lane, DiStefano & Maznevski
3.3.4 The GLOBE Research Project
3.4 The Cultural Orientation Framework
4 Communication and its Implications
4.1 Definition of Communication
4.2 Concepts of Communication
4.3 Levels of Communication
4.3.1 Verbal Communication
4.3.2 Non-verbal Communication
4.4 Cultural Dimensions and Communication Patterns
5 Hypotheses
6 Research Methodology
6.1 Research Approach
6.2 Research Design
6.2.1 Research Sample Selection
6.2.2 Research Data Collection
6.3 Strengths and Limitations of Research Methodology
7 Analysis
7.1 Analysis 1 - Acculturation
7.1.1 Theoretical Background
7.1.2 Evaluation of Empirical Findings
7.1.3 Conclusion
7.2 Analysis 2 - Convergence in Communication
7.2.1 Theoretical Background
7.2.2 Evaluation of Empirical Findings
7.2.3 Conclusion
7.3 Analysis 3 - Intercultural Competence
7.3.1 Theoretical Background
7.3.2 Evaluation of Empirical Findings
7.3.3 Conclusion
7.4 Conclusion and Discussion of Analysis
8 Conclusion
Objectives & Core Topics
The primary objective of this thesis is to examine the extent to which cultures converge within an international business environment and the impact of intercultural competence on this process. It investigates whether internationally defined soft skills of intercultural competence can foster a universal business culture and a corresponding universal style of communication, utilizing a field study at the United Nations Headquarters as an illustrative case.
- Convergence of cultural patterns in international work environments
- Intercultural competence as a driver for business communication
- Theoretical frameworks for comparing cultures and communication
- Acculturation processes in multinational organizations
- Application of the Cultural Orientation Framework
Excerpt from the Book
2 Case Study
In what follows, the topic of the present thesis will be illustrated by a case study of four cultural diverse students interning at the United Nations Internship Office for duration of six month. The development of a new Online Application System and a new Data Warehouse, assigned to the four interns, requires not only team spirit but also intercultural competence.
Monday morning - 9:30 A.M.
The United Nations Headquarters, New York; Conference Room S 2513
Susan Watson, Chief of Human Resources Management and Anne Koslowsky, Internship Co-ordinator, had scheduled a meeting with seven of their colleagues - four interns and three IT specialists - to put them in charge of developing the most recent administrative innovation in the United Nations Internship Office - an Online Application System and a new Data Warehouse.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the rise of international business and poses the core research question regarding the potential development of a universal business culture through intercultural competence.
2 Case Study: Presents the practical setting of the research by detailing the collaborative work of four diverse interns at the United Nations Headquarters.
3 Culture and its Implications: Establishes the theoretical foundation by defining culture and reviewing key comparative research models such as Hofstede, GLOBE, and the Cultural Orientation Framework.
4 Communication and its Implications: Analyzes the interplay between culture and communication, defining both verbal and non-verbal levels and evaluating major communication models.
5 Hypotheses: Outlines the main hypothesis that members of an international workforce converge in their communication behavior and proposes specific sub-hypotheses for testing.
6 Research Methodology: Describes the mixed-methods approach, including quantitative questionnaires and qualitative participative observations used to gather data from the research participants.
7 Analysis: Executes the evaluation of the gathered data across three specific focal points: acculturation, convergence in communication, and the demonstration of intercultural competence.
8 Conclusion: Synthesizes the research findings, confirming that while core cultural values may remain distinct, a shared communication style can be developed within diverse professional teams.
Keywords
Intercultural Competence, Cross-Cultural Communication, Universal Business Culture, Cultural Convergence, Acculturation, United Nations, GLOBE Research Project, Hofstede, Cultural Orientation Framework, Soft Skills, International Business, Communication Patterns, Non-verbal Communication, Diversity, Organizational Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
This thesis investigates whether an internationally accepted business culture emerges within diverse international workforces and if intercultural competence acts as a catalyst for this convergence.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The work primarily integrates the fields of cross-cultural management, organizational behavior, and communication studies, specifically examining cultural dimensions and their influence on interactions.
What is the main objective or research question?
The central goal is to determine if individuals from different national backgrounds can develop a shared, "universal" communication style through the application of intercultural competence, despite their differing cultural identities.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The research employs a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative data collection through standardized questionnaires (adapted from the GLOBE project) and qualitative data through participative observations of the subjects.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body systematically explores definitions of culture and communication, reviews established theories (Hofstede, Trompenaar, GLOBE), analyzes acculturation processes, and evaluates communication convergence through a specific field study.
How can this research be characterized by keywords?
Key terms include Intercultural Competence, Cross-Cultural Communication, Cultural Convergence, Acculturation, and the Cultural Orientation Framework.
What specific role does the United Nations case study play?
The UN case study provides the empirical context; it illustrates how four interns from different nations navigate the challenges of a complex IT project, demonstrating the practical application of intercultural skills.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding universal culture?
The author concludes that while deep-seated cultural values may remain stable and do not easily assimilate, professionals can successfully converge on a "shared communication style," essentially creating a universal approach to business interactions.
- Quote paper
- Sven Rosenhauer (Author), 2007, Cross-Cultural Business Communication, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/186560
