Students’ perceptions of the use of technology in cross-cultural communication

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore students’ perceptions of the use of technology in cross-cultural communication and to compare findings with current trends in business.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured interviews with seven open-ended questions were used to explore students’ perceptions of the use of technology in cross-cultural communication.

Findings

Students learn how to use new technology in cross-cultural communication faster than businesses implement those technologies. Students tend to emphasize the use of video conferencing tools rather than e-mail.

Research limitations/implications

Although data saturation has been reached, the sample size was relatively small. Students studying business participated in the study.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest considering changes to the curriculum and embedding work-based learning into academic programs.

Originality/value

This paper compares students’ perceptions with business expectations, revealing the areas in the content of the business communication classes that need to be changed.

Citation

Bauman, A. (2016), "Students’ perceptions of the use of technology in cross-cultural communication", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 193-207. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-06-2015-0034