Host environment, communication, and psychological health: A study of cross-cultural adaptation comparing Korean expatriates in the United States with American expatriates in South Korea.

Abstract

Future studies in this field could prove yet more fruitful by expanding the range of nationalities of the expatriate groups living and working in a variety of cultural regions. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Hypothesis 5 predicted that Korean expatriates in the U.S. were likely to experience lower perceived host receptivity than American expatriates in Korea.

Hypothesis 1 predicted a positive association between host communication competence and psychological health, and was supported by statistical data and interview findings.

In addition to communication factors, the study examined the level of pressure to conform to the cultural norms of the host culture. Hypothesis 4 predicted a higher level of perceived host conformity pressure for Korean expatriates in the U.S. than for American expatriates in South Korea.

This study examined communication patterns and forms of cross-cultural adaptation experience in two groups of expatriates. Based on Kim's (2001) communication theory of cross-cultural adaptation, the study sought to understand: (1) the cross-cultural adaptation experiences of Korean expatriates in the U.S. vis-a-vis the American host environment; (2) the cross-cultural adaptation experiences of American workers in South Korea vis-a-vis the Korean host environment; (3) how these two expatriate groups differ in their perceptions of their respective host environments; and (4) how perception of the environment plays a role in adaptation.

Hypothesis 3 predicted a positive association between host mass communication and psychological health. Statistical data supported this hypothesis.

To collect the data, a structured quantitative survey using questionnaires and personal interviews was undertaken with a sample of 211 expatriate workers: 105 American expatriates in South Korea and 106 Korean expatriates in the U.S., between February and August 2002. Each sample group was selected by means of convenience sampling, combined with a snowball sampling technique for the survey and a quota-sampling method for the in-depth personal interviews.

Hypothesis 2 predicted a positive association between host interpersonal communication and psychological health, and was supported by analysis of statistical data and interviews.

The results of the present study verify that Kim's theory can comprehensively explain forms of cross-cultural adaptation on the part of expatriate workers. The relevant hypotheses were generally supported by quantitative and qualitative findings.