A study of the relationship between cross-cultural competencies and capability in foreign language conversation
List of Authors
  • Michiko Toyama , Yoshitaka Yamazaki

Keyword
  • cross-cultural competence; foreign language conversation capability; skill development; international context; Japan

Abstract
  • The purpose of this study was to explore how cross-cultural competencies relates to the level of foreign language conversation capability in cross-cultural organizations. Using a sample of 38 administrative employees working for an international graduate school in Japan, we analyzed two types of cross-cultural competencies in cross-cultural work settings: goal management and adaptability. We developed a scale for each competency and applied exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to verify discriminant and convergent validity. Cronbach’s alphas of the two competencies were acceptable. Regression analysis revealed that foreign language conversation capability significantly affected goal management and adaptability after controlling for individual demographic characteristics of gender, age, and length of overseas stay. In conclusion, foreign language conversation capability as a communicative tool in global organizations strongly relates to the cross-cultural competencies of goal management and adaptability. This study suggested that it is important for those who work in cross-cultural contexts to enhance foreign language conversation capability with regard to the development of cross-cultural competencies. Finally, we discussed implications based on the results of this study.

Reference
  • 1. Allowood, J. (1990). On the role of cultural context and cultural context in language instruction. Gothenburg Papers in Theoretical Linguistics, 60, 1–60.

    2. Benson, P. (1978). Measuring cross-cultural adjustment: The problem of criteria. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 2, 21–37.

    3. Bird, A., Mendenhall, M., Stevens, M. J., & Oddou, G. (2010). Defining the content domain of intercultural competence for global leaders. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 25(8), 810–828. doi: 10.1108/02683941011089107

    4. Bird, A., & Oddou, G. R. (2008). Global leadership knowledge creation and transfer. In M. E. Mendenhall, J. S. Osland, A. Bird, G. R. Oddou, M. I. Maznevskil, & M. J. Stevens (Eds.), Global leadership: Research, practice, and development (pp. 114–130). New York, NY: Routledge.

    5. Black, J. S., Morrison, A. J., & Gregersen, H. B. (1999). Global explorers: The next generation of leaders. New York, NY: Routledge.

    6. Boyatzis, R. E. (1982). The competent manager: A model for effective performance. New York, NY: Wiley.

    7. Boyatzis, R. E., & Kolb, D. A. (1993). Learning Skills Profile. Boston, MA: Hay/McBer.

    8. Caligiuri, P., & Lundby, K. (2015). Developing cross-cultural competencies through global teams. In J. L. Wildman & R. L. Griffith (Eds.), Global teams: Translating multi¬disciplinary science to practice (pp. 123–139). New York, NY: Springer.

    9. Caligiuri, P., Mencin, A., Jayne, B., & Traylor, A. (2019). Developing cross-cultural competencies through international corporate volunteerism. Journal of World Business, 54, 14–23. doi: 10.1016/j.jwb.2018.09.002

    10. Caligiuri, P., & Tarique, I. (2012). Dynamic cross-cultural competencies and global leadership effectiveness. Journal of World Business, 47, 612–622. doi: 10.1016/

    j.jwb.2012.01.014

    11. Çiloğlan, F., & Bardakçı, M. (2019). The relationship between intercultural sensitivity and English language achievement. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 15(3), 1204–1214. doi: 10.17263./jlls.631563

    12. McCrae, R. P., & Costa, P. T. (1987). Validation of the five factor model personality across instruments and observers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(1), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.52.1.81

    13. McCrae, R. P., & Costa, P. T. (1997). Personality trait structure as a human universal. American Psychologist, 52(5), 509–516. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.52.5.509

    14. David, K. (1972). Intercultural adjustment and applications of reinforcement theory to problems of cultural shock. Trends, 4, 1–64.

    15. Deardorff, D. K. (2006). Identification and assessment of intercultural competence as a student outcome of internationalization. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10(3), 241–266. doi: 10.1177/1028315306287002

    16. Dinges, N. G., & Baldwin, K. D. (1996). Intercultural competence: A research perspective. In D. Landis & R. S. Bhagat (Eds.), Handbook of intercultural training (2nd ed., pp. 106–123). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    17. Draghici, A. (2014). The importance of cross-cultural competencies in the new context of human resources management. In A. Rakowska & K. Babnik (Eds.), Human resource management challenges: Learning & development (pp. 63–89). Lublin, Poland: ToKnowPress.

    18. Grin, F., & Faniko, K. (2012). Foreign language skills and intercultural abilities. Management & Avenir, 5, 168–184.

    19. Jackson, J. (2011). Host language proficiency, intercultural sensitivity, and study abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 21, 167–188.

    20. Johnson, J. P., Lenartowicz, T., & Apud, S. (2006). Cross-cultural competence in international business: Toward a definition and a model. Journal of International Business Studies, 37, 525–543. doi: 10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400205

    21. Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2017). The experiential educator: Principles and practices of experiential learning. Kaunakakai, HI: EBLS Press.

    22. Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as a source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    23. Leiba-O’Sullivan, S. (1999). The distinction between stable and dynamic cross-cultural competencies: Implications for expatriate trainability. Journal of International Business Studies, 30(4), 709–725. doi: 10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8490835

    24. Maskey, R., Fei, J., & Nguyen, H.-O. (2018). Use of exploratory factor analysis in maritime research. Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 34(2), 91–111. doi: 10.1016/j.ajsl.2018.06.006

    25. Olson, C., & Kroeger, K. (2001). Global competency and inter-cultural sensitivity. Journal of Studies in International Education, 5(2), 116–137.

    26. Sarwari, A. Q., & Wahab, M. N. A. (2016). The relationship between English language proficiency and intercultural communication competence among international students in a Malaysian public university. International Journal of Language Education and Applied Linguistics, 5, 1–9.

    27. Spencer, L. M. Jr., & Spencer, S. M. (1993). Competence at work: Modesl for superior performance. New York, NY: Wiley.

    28. Stagich, J. (1995). Cultural context: The key to second language learning and acquisition. Educational Horizons, 73(2), 59–61.

    29. Stone, R. J. (1991). Expatriate selection and failure. Human Resource Planning, 14(1), 9–18.

    30. Thompson, B. (2004). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    31. Tung, R. L. (1981). Selection and training of personnel for overseas assignments. The Columbia Journal of World Business, 16(1), 68–78.

    32. Wu, J.-F. (2016). Impact of foreign language proficiency and English uses on intercultural sensitivity. International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science, 8, 28–35. doi: 10.5815/ijmecs.2016.08.04

    33. Yamazaki, Y. (2014). Using a competency approach to understand host-country national managers in Asia. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25(15), 2103–2128. doi: 10.1080/09585192.2013.872164

    34. Yamazaki, Y., & Kayes, D. C. (2004). An experiential approach to cross-cultural learning: A review and integration of competencies for successful expatriate adaptation. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 3(4), 362–379. doi: 10.5465/

    amle.2004.15112543