Communicate Across the Globe

Researchers identified numerous competencies that contribute to the success of intercultural communication. Yet the efforts to synthesize these competencies into an overarching ICC model have not reached consensus. This study attempts to use an inductive approach guided by Grounded Theory to develop a model that is based on Chinese professionals’ (CPs) intercultural experiences in the United States. The following findings are made: (a) challenges CPs face during their intercultural interactions in the US; (b) critical ICCs for CPs; (c) the developmental processes of the ICCs; and (d) the themes on the intercultural communication of CPs in the US. An integrated model is generated that depicts the critical ICCs the external variables and the developmental mechanisms of the ICCs. The concepts of developmental-episodic ICCs are generated to highlight the developmental process. Furthermore this model is compared to existing models. Practical recommendations are developed and new research opportunities are suggested.