Abstract
Abstract Research suggests that a crucial aspect of communication for successful interactions between online trainers and trainees of different cultures is intercultural competence. A question is therefore posed: “To what extent and in what ways does the trainee experience trainer intercultural competence within a global virtual training environment?” It is important to answer this question to understand and enhance intercultural competence of trainers within a global virtual training environment (VTE).This phenomenological study explored the lived experience[1] of three trainees (one being the researcher) within two professional global VTEs. Data was collected through short written reports of participants’ experience of the phenomenon and through an in-depth semi-structured interview. Findings revealed low levels of intercultural competence within global VTEs. However the data collected also suggested that enhanced intercultural communication on behalf of the trainers would improve training. Three themes described the participants’ experiences; substantial intercultural biases held by trainers towards trainees; frequent communication problems between trainers and trainees; and a preference by trainees for trainers to enhance their intercultural competence within global VTEs. Limitations included the relatively low number of participants. [1]Individual experiences of people as conscious human beings (Moustakas, 1994).
Highlights
With the current trend of globalisation, professionals are moving across national and cultural borders to a greater extent (Trede et al, 2013)
Research Question This study aimed to explore the following research question: “To what extent, and in what ways, does the trainee experience trainer intercultural competence within a global virtual training environment?”
The findings section is organised by three themes identified in the data analysis section: 1) Substantial intercultural biases held by trainers towards trainees 2) Frequent communication problems between trainers and trainees 3) The need for trainers to enhance their intercultural competence
Summary
With the current trend of globalisation, professionals are moving across national and cultural borders to a greater extent (Trede et al, 2013). Intercultural communication has subsequently become an increasingly important field This is true in online training and education (Zhao, Kuh, & Carini, 2005) delivered with Virtual Training Environments (VTEs) by globally based trainers from wide ranging cultures, where the successful delivery of training depends on the trainee in their own culture understanding the training as communicated by the trainer, frequently from a different culture (Finder, 2005; Tomozeiu, 2016). The researcher addresses one crucial aspect of communication that is essential for successful interactions between VTE trainers and trainees, namely the development of intercultural competence (Chen, 2005; Morley, 1991), which Deardoff (2006) notes as the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in intercultural situations based on one’s intercultural knowledge, skills and attitude
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