This article is based on the author's dissertation, completed under the advisement of Dr. Randy Y. Hirokawa. The author would like to thank Professor Cindy Gallois, Dr. Bill Gudykunst, and two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments on earlier versions of the manuscript.
Explaining Individual Communication Processes in Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Groups Through Individualism-Collectivism and Self-Construal
Article first published online: 17 MAR 2006
Human Communication Research
Volume 25, Issue 2, pages 202–224, December 1998
How to Cite
OETZEL, J. G. (1998), Explaining Individual Communication Processes in Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Groups Through Individualism-Collectivism and Self-Construal. Human Communication Research, 25: 202–224. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2958.1998.tb00443.x
- Issue published online: 17 MAR 2006
- Article first published online: 17 MAR 2006
The objective of this study is to test the effective decision-making theory's (EDMT) prediction that cultural individualism-collectivism (I-C), self-construal, and group composition influence turn-taking behavior and conflict behavior in small groups. Eighty-six European Americans and 62 Japanese participated in a decision-making activity in either a homogeneous or a heterogeneous group. The major findings of the study include: (a) Independent self-construal is a predictor of the number of turns and competitive conflict tactics in both homogeneous and heterogeneous groups; (b) interdependent self-construal is a predictor of cooperative conflict tactics, but the findings are not consistent for individuals across both group compositions; (c) cultural l-C is a predictor of the number of competitive conflict tactics in both homogeneous and heterogeneous groups; and (d) cultural I-C is a predictor of the number of turns and initiated conflicts only in heterogeneous groups. Implications for the EDMT and future directions are discussed.