The influence of intercultural communication on cross-cultural adjustment and work attitudes: Foreign workers in South Korea

Integrating intercultural communication and cross-cultural adjustment research, this study examines the impact of host country language proficiency, English use in the workplace, communication styles, conflict styles, and social interaction frequency with host country nationals (HCNs) on general, work, and interaction adjustment, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions of 125 foreign workers in South Korea. While host country language proficiency and social interaction frequency with HCNs had a more positive influence on general and interaction adjustment facets, English use in the workplace, congruent communication and conflict styles were more relevant to work adjustment and work attitudes.

► This study integrates intercultural communication and expatriate research. ► Results showed the important role of intercultural communication in predicting expatriate outcomes. ► Language proficiency and social interaction had positive impact on cross-cultural adjustment. ► English use in the workplace had positive impact on work adjustment and work attitudes. ► Congruent communication and conflict styles had positive impact on work attitudes.