| In this study the employment interview was used as a representative microcosm of cross-cultural communication in today's multicultural workforce. American employers conducted videotaped mock interviews with American candidates (intracultural interviews) and with international candidates (intercultural interviews) for a typical entry level position. Communication interaction during the interview process was examined from the three perspectives of interviewers, candidates and outside observers. The process was rated by each of these groups using seven distinct variables derived from research literature regarding cross-cultural communication.; The interview participants (interviewers and candidates), rated three variables: (a) the level of understanding (Comprehension), (b) the amount and quality of information relayed (Information Sharing), and (c) the level of ease and confidence experienced during the interview (Comfort).; Outside observers rated four variables derived from an instrument designed by Ruben (1976), the Behavioral Assessment Scale for Intercultural Communication Competence. Observers rated the variables based on their observation of interviewers during the interview process, as viewed in the interview videotapes. They rated: (a) the amount of positive regard demonstrated toward the candidate (Respect), (b) the non-judgmental responsiveness in gathering information (Interaction Posture), (c) the level of interest and understanding displayed (Empathy), and (d) the accuracy in assessing communication needs, (Interaction Management).; A comparison of participant ratings between intercultural and intracultural interviews revealed no significant difference in International and American candidate ratings and no difference in outside observer ratings between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference in employer ratings for the two groups for the variable Comprehension. Employer ratings indicated their lack of confidence in the level of understanding in interviews with international candidates.; A comparison of the variables rated by participants with those rated by outside observers revealed moderate correlations between Comprehension and Respect, Interaction Posture and Empathy and significant correlations between Comfort and these same variables.; Thus, this study provides evidence of three cross-cultural communication behaviors that specifically influence the interview process. Discussion and modification of these behaviors, through information materials and training, can assist employers in improving cross-cultural interaction in the employment interview. |
