The influence of intercultural communication on cross-cultural adjustment and work attitudes: Foreign workers in South Korea

Abstract

Integrating intercultural communication and cross-cultural adjustment research, this study examines the impact of host country language proficiency, English use in the workplace, communication styles, conflict styles, and social interaction frequency with host country nationals (HCNs) on general, work, and interaction adjustment, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions of 125 foreign workers in South Korea. While host country language proficiency and social interaction frequency with HCNs had a more positive influence on general and interaction adjustment facets, English use in the workplace, congruent communication and conflict styles were more relevant to work adjustment and work attitudes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.