Intercultural Communication Competencies (Analysis Of The Relationship Of Anxiety And Uncertainty To The Competency Of Communication Between Culture Of Japanese Citizens In Indonesia)
Introduction
Effective communication is a crucial aspect of any relationship, whether personal or professional. In today's globalized world, people from diverse cultural backgrounds interact with each other on a daily basis. However, cultural differences can often lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and conflicts. This is particularly true for individuals who are living and working in a foreign country, such as Japanese citizens in Indonesia. In this study, we aim to explore the relationship between anxiety and uncertainty and intercultural communication competencies among Japanese citizens in Indonesia.
Theoretical Background
The theory of anxiety and uncertainty management, proposed by William B. Gudykunst, suggests that anxiety and uncertainty can affect an individual's ability to communicate effectively in a new cultural context. Geert Hofstede's cultural dimension theory also highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in communication. According to Hofstede, cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications, which can be mitigated by understanding and managing anxiety and uncertainty.
Methodology
This study employed a quantitative approach, using a questionnaire to collect data from 25 Japanese citizens living in Indonesia. The questionnaire consisted of 32 questions, which were processed using SPSS statistics software. The data was analyzed using frequencies, cross tables, hypothesis testing, and cluster analysis. The research sample consisted of 20 men and 5 women, chosen using purposive sampling techniques based on certain relevant characteristics.
Results
The results of the study indicate that the management of anxiety and uncertainty has a direct relationship with intercultural communication competencies. The hypothesis test using the Rank Spearman method showed a significant relationship between the two variables, with a coefficient value above 0.4. The results also showed that the X1 variable was significant at 1.4% and X2 at 0.7%, emphasizing the existence of a strong link between the X variable and the Y variable. Based on this result, alternative hypotheses were accepted.
Discussion
The results of the study suggest that the management of anxiety and uncertainty is crucial for effective intercultural communication. The study also highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in communication. The results show that Japanese citizens in Indonesia have a high enough motivation to manage anxiety and uncertainty when interacting with local residents. This indicates that they are aware of the importance of building constructive interactions with the host culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides insight into the dynamics of intercultural communication between Japanese citizens and Indonesian people. The results of the study suggest that the management of anxiety and uncertainty is crucial for effective intercultural communication. The study also highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in communication. With the existence of good management of these two factors, individuals will be better able to establish harmonious relationships, promote cultural exchange, and reduce the potential for conflict in intercultural interaction.
Implications
The findings of this study have several implications for individuals, organizations, and policymakers. Firstly, individuals who are living and working in a foreign country should be aware of the importance of managing anxiety and uncertainty in intercultural communication. Organizations should also provide training and support to their employees who are working in a foreign country. Policymakers should also consider the importance of cultural differences in communication when developing policies and programs.
Limitations
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focused on Japanese citizens in Indonesia, which may not be representative of other cultural groups. Finally, the study only used a quantitative approach, which may not capture the complexity of intercultural communication.
Future Research
Future research should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and a more diverse cultural group. The study should also use a mixed-methods approach to capture the complexity of intercultural communication. Additionally, future research should explore the role of cultural differences in communication in other contexts, such as business and education.
References
Gudykunst, W. B. (1983). Toward a theory of effective intergroup communication. Journal of Applied Psychology, 68(3), 297-313.
Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
Appendix
Q: What is the main focus of this study?
A: The main focus of this study is to explore the relationship between anxiety and uncertainty and intercultural communication competencies among Japanese citizens in Indonesia.
Q: What is intercultural communication competency?
A: Intercultural communication competency refers to the ability of individuals to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. It involves understanding and managing cultural differences, as well as being able to adapt to new cultural contexts.
Q: What is the theory of anxiety and uncertainty management?
A: The theory of anxiety and uncertainty management, proposed by William B. Gudykunst, suggests that anxiety and uncertainty can affect an individual's ability to communicate effectively in a new cultural context. According to this theory, individuals who are able to manage their anxiety and uncertainty are better able to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries.
Q: What is Geert Hofstede's cultural dimension theory?
A: Geert Hofstede's cultural dimension theory is a framework for understanding cultural differences. According to this theory, cultural differences can be measured along six dimensions: power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence vs. restraint.
Q: What is the significance of this study?
A: This study is significant because it provides insight into the dynamics of intercultural communication between Japanese citizens and Indonesian people. The results of the study suggest that the management of anxiety and uncertainty is crucial for effective intercultural communication.
Q: What are the implications of this study?
A: The findings of this study have several implications for individuals, organizations, and policymakers. Firstly, individuals who are living and working in a foreign country should be aware of the importance of managing anxiety and uncertainty in intercultural communication. Organizations should also provide training and support to their employees who are working in a foreign country. Policymakers should also consider the importance of cultural differences in communication when developing policies and programs.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focused on Japanese citizens in Indonesia, which may not be representative of other cultural groups. Finally, the study only used a quantitative approach, which may not capture the complexity of intercultural communication.
Q: What are the future research directions?
A: Future research should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and a more diverse cultural group. The study should also use a mixed-methods approach to capture the complexity of intercultural communication. Additionally, future research should explore the role of cultural differences in communication in other contexts, such as business and education.
Q: What are the practical applications of this study?
A: The findings of this study have several practical applications. Firstly, individuals who are living and working in a foreign country can use the results of this study to develop strategies for managing anxiety and uncertainty in intercultural communication. Organizations can also use the results of this study to develop training programs for their employees who are working in a foreign country. Policymakers can also use the results of this study to develop policies and programs that take into account the importance of cultural differences in communication.
Q: What are the implications for education and training?
A: The findings of this study have several implications for education and training. Firstly, educators and trainers should include intercultural communication competency as a key component of their programs. Secondly, educators and trainers should use a mixed-methods approach to capture the complexity of intercultural communication. Finally, educators and trainers should provide training and support to individuals who are living and working in a foreign country.
Q: What are the implications for business and industry?
A: The findings of this study have several implications for business and industry. Firstly, businesses should include intercultural communication competency as a key component of their training programs. Secondly, businesses should use a mixed-methods approach to capture the complexity of intercultural communication. Finally, businesses should provide training and support to individuals who are working in a foreign country.
Q: What are the implications for policymakers?
A: The findings of this study have several implications for policymakers. Firstly, policymakers should consider the importance of cultural differences in communication when developing policies and programs. Secondly, policymakers should include intercultural communication competency as a key component of their policies and programs. Finally, policymakers should provide training and support to individuals who are living and working in a foreign country.