Cultural Cues in Students' Computer‐Mediated Communication: Influences on E‐mail Style, Perception of the Sender, and Willingness to Help. Issue 3 (12th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hansen, Miriam; Fabriz, Sabine; Stehle, Sebastian
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer-mediated communication. Volume 20:Issue 3(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 278
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2015-01-12
• Subjects: Intercultural Communication -- Computer‐Mediated Communication -- Lexical Alignment -- Higher Education -- Helping Behavior -- Social Judgment; Telematics -- Periodicals; Computer networks -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.20285
• DOI: 10.1111/jcc4.12110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1083-6101

Abstract

Abstract : Computer‐mediated communication among university students with different cultural backgrounds has become widespread. In this study, we examine how undergraduates ( N = 130) react to cultural cues when responding to an e‐mail request for cooperation sent by a peer. Participants rated the sender's personality and stated their willingness to help. In the inquiry, 2 types of cultural cues were varied, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial design: ethnicity (German vs. Chinese name) and communication style (Western vs. Asian). Results showed that participants aligned their responses to the communication style; however, the ethnicity cue influenced the wording of their response, their perception of the sender's personality and their willingness to help. Results are discussed regarding communication accommodation and social judgment theories.