Predictors of intercultural communication competence

Abstract This study examined the relationship between intercultural communication (ICC) competence and knowledge of the host culture and cross-cultural attitude. ICC competence was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct which included culture-specific understanding of other, culture-general understanding, and positive regard for other. Using Gudykunst, Wiseman, and Hammer's model, the cross-cultural attitude consists of cognitive (stereotypes), affective (ethnocentrism), and conative (social distance) components. A total of 887 subjects (206 from Japan, 681 from United States participated in the study which obtained subjects' open-ended reactions to 44 intercultural situations, and ratings to 29 standardized test items, a social distance scale, and three questions regarding their knowledge of the other culture. Data analysis using the pat routine of the LISREL V computer program revealed that the different dimensions of ICC competence had varying relations with the three components of the cross-cultural attitude and knowledge of the other culture. Implications were drawn from the findings and future research foci were recommended.