An action research on developing intercultural competence of international virtual team
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Abstract
Purpose: With increasing need of using international virtual team in higher education institute, especially at the post-pandemic stage, the purpose of this action research is to investigate appropriate organization development interventions for developing intercultural competence of international virtual team.
Research design, data and methodology: This action research is conducted at a private higher education institution called Heilongjiang International University, China. 45 students majored in Business are chosen by purposive sampling for organization development intervention stage. Mixed methods are applied at the pre-and post-stage. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview are conducted at both pre-and post-ODI stage. Quantitative data is analyzed by SPSS statistical tool and data from interview is explained by content analysis. Paired sample T-test is used for data comparison between the Pre-ODI and Post-ODI stage.
Results: The key finds represent that there is a significant difference between Pre-ODI and post-ODI stage for reflective learning, knowledge sharing, cognitive competence, affective competence and behavioral competence.
Conclusions: Collaborative learning can be seen as effective strategy to developing intercultural competence of international virtual team. Recommendation according to different learning strategy comprise developing course and activities with strategies, intervention designed for instructors before students and focusing on the long-term reinforcement educational plan.
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