TY - JOUR
T1 - Schema adjustment in cross-cultural encounters
T2 - A study of expatriate international aid service workers
AU - Chang, Wei Wen
PY - 2009/1
Y1 - 2009/1
N2 - 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.
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.
KW - Cross-cultural learning
KW - Expatriate workers
KW - Intercultural adaptation
KW - International service
KW - Schema adjustment
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=61449182525&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2008.12.003
DO - 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2008.12.003
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:61449182525
SN - 0147-1767
VL - 33
SP - 57
EP - 68
JO - International Journal of Intercultural Relations
JF - International Journal of Intercultural Relations
IS - 1
ER -