Acting out our minds: Incorporating behavior into models of stereotype‐based expectancies for cross‐cultural interactions

Abstract

This article presents an observational study designed to investigate the role of expectancies and behaviors during cross‐cultural interactions. In a partial test of several cognition‐based models, the study provided more support for associations between individuating behaviors (involvement, verbal openness, and nonverbal cue congruence) and post‐interaction evaluations than between expectancies (reported knowledge and attitudes) and evaluations, which is consistent with a “weak social constructivist view” (Jussim, 1991) of the evaluation process. Individuating behavior was particularly likely to correlate with evaluations when it occurred later in interactions. Despite their relative unimportance in predicting evaluations, stereotype‐based expectancies were associated with some behaviors (gaze, lean, head nods, and body orientation) used by the participants and, to a lesser degree, by their partners. Expectancies also predicted behavioral congruence for vocal, body orientation, and kinesic cues. A model of the tie between expectancies, behavior, and evaluations that draws together these results with those of previous research is presented.

Key words:

• Stereotypes
• Accommodation
• Culture
• Nonverbal