Problems in cross-cultural contact: A literature reviewLes problemes dans le contact trans-culturel: Une revue de litteratureProblemas en contactos interculturales: Revictón de la literatura

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Abstract

An examination is undertaken of literature bearing on the matter of misunderstandings between persons engaged in cross-cultural relationships. The dimensions of the problem are outlined using the following sub-headings: subjective culture and social construction of reality; intercultural communication; stereotyping, ethnocentrism, and prejudice; time factor; cultural distance; personality; and contact and attitudes. Further, a description is made of various approaches which have been adopted in investigating the problems of cross-cultural contact in international organizations. A critical analysis reveals that the most significant gaps in current knowledge of the problems are at the interpersonal level. Suggestions are made as to what research questions demand urgent attention.

Résumé

Un examen de la littérature pertant sur les mésententes entre personnes engagées dars des relations trans-culturelles a été entrepris. Les dimensions du problème sont définies en utilisant les sous-rubriques suivantes: la culture subjective, la construction sociale de la réalité; la communication interculturelle; le stéréotypement, l'ethnocentrisme et le préjudice; le facteur temps; la distance culturelle; la personnalité; et le contact et les attitudes. Ensuite, une description est faite des différentes approches adoptées dans l'investigation des problèmes de contact trans-culturel dans les organisations internationales. Une analyse critique révèle que la trouée la plus signifiante dans la connaissance actuelle des problèmes est au niveau interpersonnel. Des suggestions sont faites quant aux questions de recherche qui requièrent une attention immédiate.

Resumen

Se llevó a cabo una examinación de la literatura que trata con el tema del malentendimiento entre personas envueltas en relaciones interculturales. Las dimensiones de los problemas se bosquejaron usando los siguientes subtitutos: cultura subjetiva, construcción social de la realidad ; comunicación intercultural; estereotipos, etnocentrismo y prejuicio; factures de tiempo; distancia cultural; personalidad; contacto y actitudes. Además, se hizo una descrlpción de varios modos que han sido usados en la investigación de problemas de contactos interculturales en organizaciones internacionales. Un análisis critico revela que las mas significantes brechas en el conocimiento actual de los problemas se haya al nivel interpersonal. Se hacen sugerencias sobre la clase de investigaciones que demandan atencion urgente.

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  • Cited by (0)

    The author would like to thank Professor Dexter Dunphy and Dr. Tohr Yamaguchi of the University of New South Wales and two anonymous reviewers for their comments on earlier versions of this manuscript.

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