The Role of Intercultural Communication in Fostering Organisational Creativity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34630/e-rei.vi13.6326Keywords:
Intercultural Communication, Organisational Creativity, Cultural Diversity, Team Dynamics, InnovationAbstract
This study aims to explore the impact of intercultural communication (IC) on organisational creativity (OC). Specifically, it analyses its contribution to organisational success, identifies challenges and advantages when integrating intercultural communication, and understands its effects on team creativity.
A qualitative multiple-case study approach was adopted using purposive sampling involving semistructured interviews with managers from different industries. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring data themes and patterns meticulously. The findings show that IC (1) is a key factor for organisational success communication contributes significantly to the companies’ growth and performance, (2) enriches the organisational culture and creativity, and (3) allows organisations to foster a more inclusive workplace and improve work processes. Besides, (4) culturally diverse teams bring real benefits to organisations, (5) employees from diverse cultural backgrounds provide creative suggestions and a greater diversity of ideas, and (6) sensitivity in communication is essential to address potential challenges.
This study offers fresh perspectives on the relationship between intercultural communication (IC) and organizational creativity (OC), exploring a significant yet insufficiently examined topic in organizational research. Using a qualitative multiple-case study method, it demonstrates how IC promotes inclusivity, enhances organizational culture, and stimulates innovation through diverse viewpoints. The research stands out for its detailed analysis of the complexities of IC within team creativity, while also uncovering the benefits and obstacles associated with its integration. Its practical value lies in providing organizations with strategies to leverage IC, fostering creativity, optimizing work processes, and supporting growth in culturally diverse environments.
References
Adams, C.R., Minton, C.A.B., Hightower, J., Blount, A.J., Adams, C.R., Minton, B., & Blount, J. (2022). A Systematic Approach to Multiple Case Study Design in A Systematic Approach to Multiple Case Study Design in Professional Counseling and Counselor Education. In Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision (Vol. 15). https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol15/ iss2/24
Adhabi, E.A.R., & Anozie, C.B.L. (2017). Literature Review for the Type of Interview in
Qualitative Research. International Journal of Education, 9(3), 86.
https://doi.org/10.5296/ije.v9i3.11483
Alem, D.D. (2020). An Overview of Data Analysis and Interpretations in Research. Inter. J. Acad. Res. Educ. Rev, 8(1), 1–27.
Amabile, T.M., Conti, R., Coon, H., Lazenby, J., & Herron, M. (1996). Assessing the work environment for creativity. Academy of Management Journal, 39(5), 1154–1184.
https://doi.org/10.2307/256995
Aye, M., & Thida, M. (2019). The impact of cultural intelligence on communication and creativity of local emplouees who worked at diverse cultural companies in Myanmar [Bangkok University]. In Bangkok University. http://dspace.bu.ac.th/bitstream/123456789/4347/3/mai_thid.pdf
Bădilă, M.-I., Cioca, L.-I., Moşteanu, D. E., & Moşteanu, R. (2020). Quantitative and Qualitative Methods as a Basis for Decision-Making. International Conference Knowledge-Based Organization, 26(1), 191–195. https://doi.org/10.2478/kbo-2020-0031
Bakic-Miric, N. (2008). Re-imaging Understanding of Intercultural Communication, Culture and Culturing. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 8(2), 1–05. https://doi.org/10.36923/jicc.v8i2.456
Braslauskas, J. (2021). Developing intercultural competences and creativity: The foundation for successful intercultural intercultural communication. Creativity Studies, 14(1), 197–217. https://doi.org/10.3846/cs.2021.14583
Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods (5th Edition). Oxford University Press . https://ktpu.kpi.ua/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/social-research-methods-alan-bryman.pdf
Campbell, S., Greenwood, M., Prior, S., Shearer, T., Walkem, K., Young, S., Bywaters, D., & Walker, K. (2020). Purposive sampling: complex or simple? Research case examples. Journal of Research in Nursing, 25(8), 652–661. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987120927206
Cardon, P. W., & Scott, J. C. (2003). Chinese Business Face: Communication Behaviors and
Teaching Approaches. Business Communication Quarterly, 66(4), 9–22.
https://doi.org/10.1177/108056990306600402
Chen, M.-H., & Agrawal, S. (2017). Do communication barriers in student teams impede creative behavior in the long run?—A time-lagged perspective. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 26, 154–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2017.10.008
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (3rd edition). SAGE Publications, Inc. http://www.ceil-conicet.gov.ar/wpcontent/uploads/2018/04/CRESWELLQualitative-Inquary-and-Research-Design-Creswell.pdf Crisp, R. J., & Turner, R. N. (2011). Cognitive adaptation to the experience of social and cultural diversity. Psychological Bulletin, 137(2), 242–266. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021840
Crisp, R. J., & Turner, R. N. (2012). The Imagined Contact Hypothesis (pp. 125–182). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-394281-4.00003-9
Croucher, S. M., Sommier, M., & Rahmani, D. (2015). Intercultural communication: Where we’ve been, where we’re going, issues we face. Communication Research and Practice, 1(1), 71–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/22041451.2015.1042422
Denzin, N. K. (1989). Interpretive Interaction (Vol. 16). SAGE Publication.
Dubé, & Paré. (2003). Rigor in Information Systems Positivist Case Research: Current
Practices, Trends, and Recommendations. MIS Quarterly, 27(4), 597.
https://doi.org/10.2307/30036550
Dumitraşcu-Băldău, I., & Dumitraşcu, D. D. (2019). Intercultural Communication and its Challenges Within the International Virtual Project Team. MATEC Web of Conferences, 290, 07005. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201929007005
Duranti, A. (2006). Transcripts, Like Shadows on a Wall. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 13(4), 301–310. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327884mca1304_3
Earley, P. C., & Mosakowski, E. (2000). Ccreating hybrid team cultures: An empirical test of transnational team functioning. Academy of Management Journal, 43(1), 26–49. https://doi.org/10.2307/1556384
Ferreira, J., Coelho, A., & Moutinho, L. (2020). Dynamic capabilities, creativity and innovation capability and their impact on competitive advantage and firm performance: The moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation. Technovation, 92–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2018.11.004
Harrison, D. A. ;, Price, K. H., & Bell, M. P. (1998). Beyond Relational Demography: Time and the Effects of Surface-and Deep-Level Diversity on Work Group Cohesion. In Academy of
Management Journal (Vol. 41). https://ideas.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2018/07/HarrisonPriceBell1998AMJ.pdf
Homan, A. C., van Knippenberg, D., Van Kleef, G. A., & De Dreu, C. K. W. (2007). Bridging faultlines by valuing diversity: Diversity beliefs, information elaboration, and performance in diverse work groups. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(5), 1189–1199. https://doi.org/10.1037/00219010.92.5.1189
Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2012). Educational Research: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Approach (4th ed.). SAGE Publisher.
Jones, G., Chirino Chace, B., & Wright, J. (2020). Cultural diversity drives innovation:
empowering teams for success. International Journal of Innovation Science, 12(3), 323–343. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-04-2020-0042
Leung, A. K.-Y., & Chiu, C. (2008). Interactive Effects of Multicultural Experiences and Openness to Experience on Creative Potential. Creativity Research Journal, 20(4), 376–382.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10400410802391371
Li, W. (2005). Understanding Culture. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/statewidemgnews/blogfiles/74440.pdf
Liu, S., Volčič, Z., & Gallois, C. (2015). Introducing Intercultural Communication: Global
Cultures and Contexts (M. Steele, Ed.; 2n Edition). SAGE.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49513275_Introducing_intercultural_communication_Glo bal_cultures_and_contexts
Mannix, E., & Neale, M. A. (2005). What Differences Make a Difference? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 6(2), 31–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-1006.2005.00022.x
Mazhar, S. A. (2021). Methods of Data Collection: A Fundamental Tool of Research. Journal of Integrated Community Health, 10(01), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.24321/2319.9113.202101
McLellan, E., MacQueen, K. M., & Neidig, J. L. (2003). Beyond the Qualitative Interview:
Data Preparation and Transcription. Field Methods, 15(1), 63–84.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X02239573
McMullin, C. (2023). Transcription and Qualitative Methods: Implications for Third Sector
Research. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 34(1), 140–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-021-00400-3
Merriam, S. B. (1998). Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Mirza, C. (2023). Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research: Summary Guidelines for Novice Social Science Researchers. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370838199
National Research Council. (2015). Enhancing the Effectiveness of Team Science. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/19007
Ni, L., Wang, Q., & Sha, B.-L. (2018). History and Foundational Theories of Intercultural Communication. In Intercultural Public Relations (pp. 60–115). Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315641737-3
Park, K., & Moon, W. (2024). Review of Qualitative Research Methods in Health Information
System Studies. Healthcare Informatics Research, 30(1), 16–34.
https://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2024.30.1.16
Phillips, K. W., & O’reilly, C. A. (2015). Demography and Diversity in Organizations: A Review of 40 Years of Research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234022034
Rahman, M. S. (2016). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches and Methods in Language “Testing and Assessment” Research: A Literature Review. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(1), 102. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v6n1p102
Ruslin, Mashuri, S., Sarib, M., Rasak, A., & Alhabsyi, F. (2022). Semi-structured Interview:
A Methodological Reflection on the Development of a Qualitative Research Instrument in
Educational Studies. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME), 12(1), 22–
29. https://doi.org/10.9790/7388-1201052229
Sahadevan, P., & Sumangala, M. (2021). Effective Cross-Cultural Communication for International Business. Shanlax International Journal of Management, 8(4), 24–33.
https://doi.org/10.34293/management.v8i4.3813
Shahid, D. (2022). Importance of Intercultural Communication in an Organization. Journal of Business and Management Studies, 4(2), 459–463. https://doi.org/10.32996/jbms.2022.4.2.33
Stahl, G. K., Maznevski, M. L., Voigt, A., & Jonsen, K. (2010). Unraveling the effects of cultural diversity in teams: A meta-analysis of research on multicultural work groups. Journal of International Business Studies, 41(4), 690–709. https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2009.85
Stevens, F. G., Plaut, V. C., & Sanchez-Burks, J. (2008). Unlocking the Benefits of Diversity.
The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 44(1), 116–133.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886308314460
Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. M. (1990). Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques (Vol. 15).
Tarjiah, I., Supena, A., Pujiastuti, S. I., & Mulyawati, Y. (2023). Increasing the reading ability of a student with dyslexia in elementary school: an explanatory case study by using family support, remedial teaching, and multisensory method. Frontiers in Education, 8.
https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1022580
Turabian, K. L., Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., Williams, J. M., Bizup, J., FitzGerald, W. T., & The University of Chicago Press Editorial Sta. (2018). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers,
Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition. University of Chicago Press.
https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226430607.001.0001
Washington, M. C., Okoro, E. A., & Thomas, O. (2012). Intercultural Communication In Global Business: An Analysis Of Benefits And Challenges. International Business & Economics Research Journal (IBER), 11(2), 217. https://doi.org/10.19030/iber.v11i2.6776
West, M. A. (2002). Sparkling Fountains or Stagnant Ponds: An Integrative Model of Creativity and Innovation Implementation in Work Groups. Applied Psychology, 51(3), 355–387.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1464-0597.00951
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Žegunienė, V. (2021). Intercultural Communication: a Factor in Career Management.
Regional Formation and Development Studies, 35(3), 37–46.
https://doi.org/10.15181/rfds.v35i3.2271
Zeng, L., Proctor, R. W., & Salvendy, G. (2011). Can Traditional Divergent Thinking Tests Be Trusted in Measuring and Predicting Real-World Creativity? Creativity Research Journal, 23(1), 24-37. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2011.545713
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 E-Journal of Intercultural Studies
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
