An exploration of the influence of cultural variability on members of multicultural student groups as they work together toward the attainment of a mutual goal.

Abstract

This thesis explores the influence of culture on multicultural student groups as they work together towards the attainment of a mutual goal. Additionally,the study includes the contribution of interpersonal factors to the adaptation process students as they interact with each other. Multicultural of these multicultural group research is becoming increasingly important as the numbers of international students coming to Britain to study continues to rise. Whilst there is considerable previous research on intercultural communication it appears that multicultural group research has not enjoyed the same amount of scholarly attention. A qualitative approach is followed using in-depth interviews in an attempt to gain information about the attitudes and values between the students which might influence their interaction with each other. Nine students from various cultures were interviewed in two stages. The first stage interview took place at the start of their group assignment and the second stage interview was completed at the end of their group assignment. This enabled insights into the first impressions of the students as they came together for their assignment and also provided a retrospective account of their group experience. The data suggests that cultural variability is demonstrated through the different expectations the students have of their group work and influences the ways in which they work together. Furthermore, cultural dimensions are useful to an extent in identifying the different attitudes and values between students although it is apparent that additional factors such as personality and situation are important when considering cultural variability within multicultural student groups. In relation to interpersonal factors and the adaptation process it is evident that cultural knowledge and motivation to adapt to the new culture are essential in easing the adaptation process. Also it is clear that issues such as ethnocentrism and cultural relativism, anxiety and uncertainty reduction and first impressions are useful when exploring adaptation of multicultural student groups.