Cross-cultural competence for Chinese practitioners in international business: Towards an operational model

Abstract

International business failures to some extent have been ascribed to a lack of cross-cultural competence on the part of business practitioners. To explore factors contributing to cross-cultural competence, a research into definition and construct of cross-cultural competence in various fields is done through literature review. Based on previous researches and cultural theories, the present study analyses the development of cross-cultural competence in international business and conducts an empirical research into index construct of cross-cultural competence in international business in Chinese setting, obtaining an operational model of four-dimensional cross-cultural competence, that is, cross-cultural cognitive competence, cross cultural communicative competence, cross-cultural adjustment competence and cross-cultural behavioral competence. The reliability and validity of the index construct has been tested by using regression, factor, and correlation analyses. We conclude by discussing the implications of the model for recruiting, training and selection of Chinese practitioners in international business. Direction for future research is suggested.