Planning Intercultural Interaction: Extending Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory

Abstract

Building on assumptions of framing theories of anxiety/uncertainty management and planning, we considered how planning differs in intra- versus inter- cultural contexts, as well as how self-monitoring and tolerance for ambiguity are associated with plan complexity, anxiety, and uncertainty with reference to an anticipated interaction with a stranger. One hundred and eight American females responded to a videotape of either an American or a Korean confederate with whom they believed they would be holding a conversation. The content and complexity of respondents' plans were examined in conjunction with type of interaction, interaction anxiety, attributional certainty, self-monitoring, and tolerance for ambiguity. Plan content and complexity were not predicted by any of the variables assessed. However, self-monitoring and tolerance for ambiguity were associated with anxieties related to the planned interaction.

Keywords:

• AUM
• Intercultural Interaction
• Planning

Notes

In line with pretest reports, we assumed that our American sample would report greater cultural distance from the Korean compared to the American confederate, yet would not distinguish the confederates based on physical attractiveness. To examine our assumptions, participants responded on five-point scales (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strong agree) to three items assessing cultural distance (e.g., “In terms of demographics, this person is very different than most of my friends”; M = 2.88, SD = 0.57, α = .86) and two items to measure physical attractiveness (e.g., “This person is good looking”; M = 3.46, SD = 0.62, α = .79). Comparisons indicated that the American (M = 2.24, SD = 0.54) and Korean (M = 4.01, SD = 0.45) confederates were significantly distinguished on ratings of cultural distance from the respondents, t(106) = 13.51, p < .0001. Unexpectedly, the American confederate was rated as more physically attractive (M = 3.63, SD = 0.54) than the Korean confederate (M = 3.23, SD = 0.65), t(106) = 2.84, p < .01. Upon reflection, we believe this is not surprising, as previous research indicates participants are likely to view individuals from other cultures as on the whole less attractive than those of their own cultures (Lee & Boster, 1991). Analyses including the attractiveness measure did not reveal significant differences on the measures of interest in this study.

Berger and Bell (1988) also assessed complexity in terms of plan contingencies; however, contingencies were not significantly revealed in these data.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ann Neville Miller

Ann Neville Miller (Ph.D., University of Georgia, 2005) is an instructor in the Department of Communication at Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya.

Jennifer A. Samp

Jennifer A. Samp (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1999) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech Communication at the University of Georgia.