Assessing the impact of cross-cultural communication competence on expatriate business operations in multinational corporations of a Sub-Saharan African context

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of cross-cultural communication competence (CCC) on expatriates’ work outcomes in emerging economies. Using a convergent parallel design methodology of data collection comprising an in-depth face-to-face interview with 21 expatriate executives, and a quantitative survey of 204 expatriates in various subsidiaries in Ghana, a structural equation modeling and a content analysis were the basis of data analysis. Findings suggest that host country culture is related to CCC. Additionally, expatriates’ CCC is influenced by multicultural team effectiveness and their interpersonal skills. The work recommends training of expatriates in cross-cultural communication for subsidiary assignments.

Keywords

Cross-cultural communication competence expatriates Ghana host country culture interpersonal skills multicultural team

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