Cultural determinants of email communication styles

Holtbrügge D, Weldon A, Rogers H (2013)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Book Volume: 13

Pages Range: 89-110

Journal Issue: I

DOI: 10.1177/1470595812452638

Abstract

Based on a sample of 234 IT consulting and services professionals from various cultural backgrounds, this study investigates whether Edward T. Hall's concept of culture can explain cultural differences in email communication. Although a vast array of intercultural research employs Hall's concept in various communication settings, few take into account the computer-mediated communication technologies that now play an integral role in the operations of international companies. Our results show that cultural differences in email are present and can be explained by Hall's dimensions of context, time, and space orientation. In particular, cultural background has a significant impact on the preference for formalness, promptness, preciseness, task-relatedness, and relationship-relatedness in email communication. Implications for managers as well as future studies are derived. © The Author(s) 2012.

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How to cite

APA:

Holtbrügge, D., Weldon, A., & Rogers, H. (2013). Cultural determinants of email communication styles. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 13(I), 89-110. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1470595812452638

MLA:

Holtbrügge, Dirk, Abigail Weldon, and Helen Rogers. "Cultural determinants of email communication styles." International Journal of Cross Cultural Management 13.I (2013): 89-110.

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