Relational model of intercultural communication competence

Abstract

Past studies in intercultural communication (ICC) competence emphasized different perspectives toward competence. Many previous literature examined ICC competence as effective cross-cultural adaptation. Others focused on appropriate competent dyadic interactions in intercultural relationships. Furthermore, past studies investigated only one or two of the three dimensions of competence, that is, behavior (skill), motivation (attitude), and knowledge (cognition). In this paper, a new theoretical conceptualization of ICC competence is presented in an effort to incorporate these different approaches. Four axioms are developed regarding theoretical assumptions of ICC competence based on a relational, interactive perspective of ICC competence. Specifically, the new conceptualization calls for a need to integrate all three dimensions of competence. ICC competence is viewed as deriving from dynamic interactive processes of intercultural relationships and such competent intercultural interaction should lead to an effective relational outcome. Therefore, the new conceptualization emphasizes both appropriateness (skills-oriented interactive competence) and effectiveness (outcome-oriented cultural-adaptation competence). This new conceptualization of ICC competence is then summarized as a model. This model explains the dynamic process of ICC competence in an intercultural relationship between a sojourner and a host national. All crucial components of ICC competence as well as other influential variables in intercultural relationships are defined, and these components are operationalized as potential research variables. Based on this model, specific theorems are presented as research hypotheses. Finally other future research implications are addressed in this paper.