Schema adjustment in cross-cultural encounters: A study of expatriate international aid service workers

Wei Wen Chang

doi:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2008.12.003

Schema adjustment in cross-cultural encounters: A study of expatriate international aid service workers

Wei Wen Chang^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Graduate Institute of International Human Resource Development

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Based on a schema perspective, this study discusses the adjustment process of expatriate workers through their cross-cultural experiences. Employing a qualitative, semi-structured interviewing method, this study collected data from 22 interviews with Taiwanese expatriate workers for an international aid service and analyzed critical incidents faced by these workers during their international service. Extending the existing schema theory for cross-cultural encounters, the author found that cultural shocks help enhance expatriate workers' awareness of their existing schemas. In addition, through mental tension, mental dialogue, and information regarding culturally relevant others, cross-cultural workers gradually modify their perspectives and interpretative frameworks to adapt to local situations in a different culture.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	57-68
Number of pages	12
Journal	International Journal of Intercultural Relations
Volume	33
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2008.12.003
Publication status	Published - 2009 Jan

Keywords

Cross-cultural learning
Expatriate workers
Intercultural adaptation
International service
Schema adjustment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Business and International Management
Social Psychology
Sociology and Political Science

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10.1016/j.ijintrel.2008.12.003

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AB - Based on a schema perspective, this study discusses the adjustment process of expatriate workers through their cross-cultural experiences. Employing a qualitative, semi-structured interviewing method, this study collected data from 22 interviews with Taiwanese expatriate workers for an international aid service and analyzed critical incidents faced by these workers during their international service. Extending the existing schema theory for cross-cultural encounters, the author found that cultural shocks help enhance expatriate workers' awareness of their existing schemas. In addition, through mental tension, mental dialogue, and information regarding culturally relevant others, cross-cultural workers gradually modify their perspectives and interpretative frameworks to adapt to local situations in a different culture.

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Schema adjustment in cross-cultural encounters: A study of expatriate international aid service workers

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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