Search results

1 – 10 of over 20000
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 April 2018

Asunción Beerli-Palacio and Josefa D. Martín-Santana

This paper aims to analyse the influence of the cultural sensitivity of tourists on the change in image that occurs for tourist destinations prior to and after a visit;…

4161

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the influence of the cultural sensitivity of tourists on the change in image that occurs for tourist destinations prior to and after a visit; understanding cultural sensitivity as the recognition of and respect for different beliefs, values and customs.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equations model is carried out with a representative sample of 411 tourists from Tenerife (Canary Islands).

Findings

Cultural sensitivity directly and positively influences the gap in the global image of the destination, so greater cultural sensitivity improves the post-visit image compared to the pre-visit image at a global level. Likewise, there are significant differences in cultural sensitivity according to the sociodemographic characteristics of tourists.

Research limitations

Although this study is based on a single case (Tenerife) and the generalisation of the results must be treated tentatively, the developed model could be applied in other destinations.

Practical implications

This study contributes to a better understanding of the influence of cultural sensitivity on the image gap in tourist destinations, as there is still little empirical evidence on the subject.

Originality/value

The results of this study represent an advance in the literature, as there are few studies in the tourism marketing literature that studied the effect of the cultural sensitivity on the image of a tourist destination.

Objetivo

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto analizar la influencia de la sensibilidad cultural de los turistas en el cambio de imagen de un destino turístico pre y post-visita, entendiendo por sensibilidad cultural el reconocimiento y el respeto a las creencias, los valores y las costumbres diferentes.

Diseño/metodología

Se utilizó un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales con una muestra representativa de 411 turistas de Tenerife (Islas Canarias).

Hallazgos

La sensibilidad cultural influye directa y positivamente en el gap de la imagen global del destino, por lo que la mayor sensibilidad cultural mejora la imagen post-visita frente a la imagen pre-visita a nivel global. Igualmente, se observan diferencias significativas en la sensibilidad cultural en función de las características sociodemográficas de los turistas.

Limitaciones de la investigación

Dado que este estudio se basa en un único caso (Tenerife), lo cual afecta a la generalización de los resultados, el modelo desarrollado podría aplicarse a otros destinos.

Implicaciones prácticas

Este trabajo contribuye a una major comprensión de la influencia de la sensibilidad cultural en el gap de la imagen de un destino turístico, ya que todavía hay poca evidencia empírica sobre el tema.

Originalidad/valor

Los resultados de este trabajo representan un avance en la literatura ya que existen pocos trabajos en la literatura de marketing turístico que estudien el efecto de la sensibilidad cultural en la imagen de un destino turístico.

Details

Spanish Journal of Marketing - ESIC, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2444-9709

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2016

Clare D’Souza, Stephen Singaraju, Tariq Halimi and Gillian Sillivan Mort

The purpose of this paper is to identify themes on international experiences that impact culture and how these findings will intervene in understanding cross-cultural training…

5454

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify themes on international experiences that impact culture and how these findings will intervene in understanding cross-cultural training programs. Thereby an attempt is made to: evaluate cross-cultural insensitivity influences on cross-cultural shock and willingness to adapt, identify cultural impressions over a short overseas period, provide some insights on cross-cultural training that will improve training practices for cross-cultural assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

A diary method was used to analyze the data using NVivo. This research uses diary studies because they have been popular in identifying factors that influence learners to learn, as well as found to be productive to achieve short term experiences. They allow for in-depth analysis, uncovering several findings unlike observation and interviews that cannot reach. In addition, diary text is said to give information on areas of social reality that are not contained in the text. Following this the study used the theme category frequencies to enable us to undertake non-parametric testing of contingency tables.

Findings

Several descriptors were identified in this study; the χ2-test indicates that there is a difference in cultural shock experiences on negative cultural sensitivity but no difference in positive cultural sensitivity which was found significant at the p=0.05 level. On the other hand there is a significant association between positive cultural sensitivity and willingness to adjust and no significant association between negative cultural sensitivity and willingness to adjust which was found significant at the p=0.05 level.

Research limitations/implications

This research shows how learning in higher education can take into account the experiences by which learners can use their knowledge and skills for future cross-cultural training in international careers.

Practical implications

These results can be useful in guiding vocational interests. The results of the research offer descriptors of an exploratory nature which can also be used as a reference analysis for consequent phases in cross-cultural training.

Originality/value

Research provides several descriptors on international culture such as culture shock, positive and negative intercultural sensitivity, and willingness to adapt, some of which were significant. Diary method to analyze data are used which is distinctive and unique to understand behavior.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 58 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2018

Shalva Tabatadze and Natia Gorgadze

The purpose of this paper is to assess the intercultural sensitivity of students in teacher educational programs at higher education institutes (HEIs) in Georgia.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the intercultural sensitivity of students in teacher educational programs at higher education institutes (HEIs) in Georgia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research explored the intercultural sensitivity among 355 randomly selected students in teacher education programs at higher education institutions in Georgia. A questionnaire based on the Development Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) and Cushner et al. (2006) model of sources of cultural identity was developed as a research instrument and adjusted to the Georgian context to measure the students’ intercultural sensitivity.

Findings

The results showed that a majority of the students were in the ethnocentric phase of intercultural sensitivity, as defined by Bennett (1993); students in teachers’ educational programs were selectively sensitive to different sources of cultural identity; students were selectively tolerant to different groups in the population with the same source of cultural identity and the level of educational attainment, as well as the location of the higher education institution affected students’ level of intercultural sensitivity.

Practical implications

The findings of this study carry valuable practical importance as they can be used to improve teacher education programs at higher education institutions in Georgia.

Originality/value

The study has scientific value in that the instrument used to assess intercultural sensitivity was developed for the Georgian context, and students’ intercultural sensitivity to 12 different sources of cultural identity was investigated.

Details

Journal for Multicultural Education, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-535X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Richard S. Allen, Margaret Takeda and Charles S. White

This study aims to examine the cross‐cultural differences in equity sensitivity between the USA and Japan.

4941

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the cross‐cultural differences in equity sensitivity between the USA and Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 390 Americans and 202 Japanese were surveyed to determine their equity sensitivities and how each group would likely respond to under‐payment scenarios.

Findings

The findings support the notion that the Japanese are in fact more entitled in their equity orientation than Americans. Furthermore, the Japanese were also significantly more likely to respond with overt actions to reduce their feelings of inequity.

Research limitations/implications

Foremost among these limitations is the fact that the situation presented to the subjects was hypothetical rather than real. Since it would be considered unethical to manipulate subjects in real work settings a first person scenario approach was utilized consistent with other equity theory literature. While the scenario was easily identifiable by the student subjects, it is unknown if the findings from this research would apply to adults working in real world organizations.

Practical implications

The results may have important implications for international human resource strategies and practices. Equity sensitivity may affect perceived value of rewards (compensation), promotion (selection), and motivation (performance management) all of which are critical issues in the effective management of human resources. This study illustrates that cross‐cultural differences exist in regard to equity sensitivity and these differences may affect the efficacy of human resource strategies in global organizations.

Originality/value

This paper offers a significant contribution to the literature on equity sensitivity by testing the theory in a cross‐cultural setting.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 20 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1997

Marianna Kaye and William G.K. Taylor

Explores the occurrence of culture shock in the population of expatriate managers working in the joint venture hotels in Beijing, China. In particular, seeks to gauge the…

15267

Abstract

Explores the occurrence of culture shock in the population of expatriate managers working in the joint venture hotels in Beijing, China. In particular, seeks to gauge the importance of a variety of factors that might influence the level of culture shock. Proposes a model which envisages culture shock as determined by situational factors and by the level of inter‐cultural sensitivity of an expatriate. In turn, the level of inter‐cultural sensitivity is seen as a function of biographical factors and cross cultural training. The findings demonstrate a strong inverse relationship between inter‐cultural sensitivity and culture shock. Training before and/or after arrival in China is received by only a small minority of expatriates but is associated with a higher level of inter‐cultural sensitivity. Among situational factors, a managerial emphasis on motivating employees is associated with lower culture shock. A surprising finding is the tendency for Asian expatriates to experience greater culture shock for a given level of inter‐cultural sensitivity. Outlines implications for personnel policy in selecting expatriate managers.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 12 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 May 2021

Çağla Aslı Gülduran and Arzu Gürdoğan

Introduction: The world has become a global village with the development of globalization, technology, transportation opportunities, and socioeconomic living conditions…

Abstract

Introduction: The world has become a global village with the development of globalization, technology, transportation opportunities, and socioeconomic living conditions. Multinational, multicultural businesses have been formed with the effect of globalization. Tourism activities have also gained a global dynamic. People from different cultures travel to different geographies for different purposes, and this highlights the need for managers and employees of tourism businesses to adapt to people from different cultures and multicultural environments.

Aim: In order to achieve success in intercultural communication, it is necessary to work with employees with a high level of intercultural sensitivity. Respect for different cultures without prejudices is very important in hotel businesses to provide quality service. For this reason, the high level of intercultural sensitivity of the employees in tourism businesses, which have a multicultural structure both with their customers and managers, will significantly affect their competitiveness in the sector. The aim of this study is to examine the intercultural sensitivity level of department managers working in hotel businesses according to some demographic features.

Method: The data collected via a survey were analyzed with statistical software. Frequency, percentage, etc., descriptive analysis and difference tests were performed.

Result: Intercultural sensitivity levels of hotel managers were examined according to some demographic characteristics. It was revealed that intercultural sensitivity levels of the managers working in hotel enterprises who participated in the research were far from ethnocentrism.

Implication: In the research, it was found that those who received tourism education respected intercultural differences more than those who did not receive any tourism education, and that they were affected by intercultural interaction more than those who did not receive any tourism education. For those working in the tourism sector, the recruitment of qualified personnel who received tourism education is important in order to achieve intercultural communication.

Originality of Study: The research was conducted on the department managers working in 4 and 5-star hotel enterprises in Marmaris and Bodrum districts of Muğla Province. There are a very limited number of studies in terms of determining the intercultural levels of employees and managers in hotel enterprises and examining them according to demographic characteristics. The research achieved results supporting similar studies. It is deemed significant in terms of determining according to which variables the concept of intercultural sensitivity differ and achieving results that can be generalized. Furthermore, the results which emphasized the importance of intercultural communication in the recruitment of the employees who received tourism education within the sector were also obtained.

Details

New Challenges for Future Sustainability and Wellbeing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-969-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1999

Robert Loo

Illustrates the utility of a structured exercise using Cushner’s (1986) Inventory of Cross‐Cultural Sensitivity (ICCS) along with supplementary questions in stimulating…

2245

Abstract

Illustrates the utility of a structured exercise using Cushner’s (1986) Inventory of Cross‐Cultural Sensitivity (ICCS) along with supplementary questions in stimulating participants to critically reflect upon their own views, in promoting group discussion on cross‐cultural attitudes and beliefs, and in energizing participants to work towards greater cross‐cultural sensitivity. The overall goal of this procedure was to encourage participants to reflect upon their own views and then work towards a greater valuing of cultural diversity partly as one component of their own strategic career development given the increasing cultural diversity in workplaces round the world. The findings from 211 management undergraduates, that is, “professionals‐in‐training” illustrate the usefulness of this approach and recommendations are presented for future use in training and career development.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 4 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Understanding Intercultural Interaction: An Analysis of Key Concepts, 2nd Edition
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-438-8

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2014

Trang T.M. Nguyen and Tho Dinh Nguyen

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating roles of cultural sensitivity and information exchange in the impact of market orientation on relationship quality.

1058

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating roles of cultural sensitivity and information exchange in the impact of market orientation on relationship quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey data set collected from a systematic sample of 297 Vietnamese exporters, the authors tested a model that depicts the direct and indirect effects of market orientation on relationship quality.

Findings

The authors found that market orientation has both direct and indirect effects, mediated by cultural sensitivity and information exchange, on relationship quality.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this study is the investigation only one side of the dyad, the exporter. Future research should use data collected from two sides of the dyad, the exporter and the importer.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that, exporters, who want to maintain high quality relationships with importers, should adopt a market-oriented strategy to enhance the degree of cultural sensitization to as well as the level of exchange of information with their importers.

Originality/value

This study enhances the understanding of predictors of relationship quality in export markets by confirming the mediating role of cultural sensitivity and information exchange in the impact of market orientation on relationship quality.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 32 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 December 2020

Sumita Rai, Eszter Megyeri and Klára Kazár

Economic turbulence brings a significant impact in the mental health of workforce on both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of…

Abstract

Purpose

Economic turbulence brings a significant impact in the mental health of workforce on both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of equity sensitivity on employee mental health. Innovation is considered to be among the critical drivers for the success and future of organizational existence, therefore this paper also investigates how the equity sensitivity impacts innovation orientation and turnover intentions across two geographies India and Hungary.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was carried out among Hungarian and Indian students. Students were selected only on the basis of having two to three years of work experience and also from good business and economics colleges from India and Hungary.

Findings

The results were analyzed using partial least square–structural equation modelling method to test the hypotheses and it showed that equity sensitivity has a positive effect on employee mental health. The findings of the study highlight that even with significant cultural differences equity sensitivity perception does not differ between Hungary and India.

Research limitations/implications

The relationship between equity sensitivity and employee mental health is an important area to understand in a volatile economy. Innovation orientation and turnover intention both are important to understand the productivity of any organization; this paper is an effort to understand the impact of both variables bringing in the positive or negative impact on the growth of an organization. Limitations of this study include the sample size, cross-sectional data. Future studies can be based on a larger sample size from wider cross-sections and cultures.

Practical implications

Managers need to give importance to understand the equity sensitivity of employee and how it impacts their mental health and well-being. Knowing the volatile nature of economy this becomes very relevant and important for managers and organizations.

Social implications

This study is important to understand that how two countries that are significantly different in cultural values still have no difference in equity sensitivity perception. Therefore, equity sensitivity is an important determinant to bring innovation and productivity in organizations across cultures.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to literature of equity sensitivity by exploring the impact of equity sensitivity on employee mental health in the context of two countries. Mental health is a concern not only in India but also in Hungarian context as well.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 20000