Effect of Cultural Influences in Intercultural Competence: Phenomenological Study on Additional-Language Learners
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The problem addressed in this qualitative phenomenological study was the unknown effect of
cultural influences in the development of intercultural competence for adult learners of an
additional language in a region with foreign direct investment in the Southeastern United
States. The purpose of the research was to explore participants’ lived experiences through
cultural influences. The theoretical framework included constructivism and social learning
theory as a conceptual background and transformational leadership theory as the antecedent to
cultural value leadership. Under an ontological approach, the data analysis yielded answers to the
three research questions addressing how cultural influences affect the development of
intercultural competence, how additional-language learners value culture, and the distancelearning methods respondents assessed as effective. From a purposely selected student
population at a private language institute, 21 volunteers took the online questionnaire, and five
respondents from the total sample completed a focus group. Triangulation strengthened
reliability and validity, and data analysis served to generate themes for interpreting the results.
Findings yielded six key definitions of measurable factors affecting the development of
intercultural competence. Key results confirmed cultural influences—face-to-face and online—
have a motivating effect on learners’ intercultural self-efficacy and the desire to project culture
philanthropy. The conclusion framed intercultural competence as a nonlinear, non-ethnocentric,
and reciprocal process. Recommendations included for educational, business, and public service
leaders to provide opportunities in cultural value leadership, sponsor face-to-face and online
intercultural experiences, and document intentional cultural influences to credit efforts. A key
recommendation was to conduct further research in culture philanthropy
Description
A study about the effect of cultural influences (casual and intentional) in the development of intercultural competence and cultural value leadership and culture philanthropist conduct. Culture Philanthropy: Culture is an asset in economic development and social innovation.
item.page.type
Dissertation