Effective computer-mediated intercultural communication factors: the influence of intercultural communication competence, social cues, and accommodative behavior in intercultural online exchange
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2014-08
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
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As the world becomes more and more connected through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the cultural context in which ICTs are utilized becomes more important. While it is true that computer mediated communication (CMC), such as Facebook, can transcend geographic barriers, they do not necessarily transcend cultural barriers. Easy connection does not necessarily guarantee effective and appropriate intercultural communication. Therefore, this paper examines the factors that may influence effective communication in intercultural computer-mediated settings--Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) and accommodative social cue behavior. Thirty-three undergraduate students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and 33 students (Banking and Finance Majors) enrolled in an English for Finance class at Phayao University in Thailand participated in a four-week online exchange via Facebook. Students were given simple tasks each week (e.g. introductions, word associations, comparative expressions, good-byes) and asked to interact with their partner via wall posts on a closed Facebook group page created specifically for the project. The findings of this study indicate that ICC predicts how you rate your partner's communication effectiveness and self-communication effectiveness. In addition, non-verbal social cues are used in combination with non-physical social cues in intercultural CMC environments to increase clarity and understanding, and increase rapport with one's partner. Furthermore, less structured/open-ended activities should be utilized in online intercultural learning environments to provide participants more opportunities to connect with their partner in more agentic ways. Finally, measuring ICC and accommodation in online environments are influenced by the environment, mediums used to communicate, speaking partner, language, motivation, and type of task performed.
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Facebook
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Theses for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (University of Hawaii at Manoa). Communication and Information Sciences.
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