Cultural Distance and Intercultural Exchange: Unpacking the Psychological Pathway of Inspiration

Abstract

Multinational corporations often rely on the international rotation of their personnel to achieve greater integration across country borders. Some globetrotting individuals are more effective conduits of cross-border knowledge than others, but little is known about why. Focusing on the links among cultural distance, inspiration, and intercultural exchange, we tested two samples of international sojourners who worked in the U.S. and then returned to their home countries (i.e., repatriates). Drawing on theory from cross-cultural psychology, we hypothesized and found that cultural distance between the repatriates’ home country and the U.S. was positively associated with (1) being inspired by U.S. culture and (2) sharing knowledge of U.S. culture upon returning home (i.e., intercultural exchange). Furthermore, inspiration by U.S. culture mediated the positive association between cultural distance and intercultural exchange. The findings have theoretical implications for the multicultural experience and intercultural exchange literatures, as well as practical implications for policy makers and managers who seek to promote intercultural exchange.