The effective intercultural workgroup communication theory (IWCT), developed by John Oetzel in 1995, explains how cultural variability and diversity influence communication processes and the subsequent outcomes that occur in workgroups. This theory addresses limitations in explaining workgroup communication in culturally diverse groups and has been refined over the past 10 years as more complex understandings of how culture influences communication have been identified.

The theory was developed from the literature attempting to identify models of effective workgroups. The predominant models of workgroup effectiveness ignore culture and emphasize work or task communication only. These models privilege one particular view of how groups should work by emphasizing work outcomes over relational outcomes. The IWCT recognizes that group processes and outcomes include both task and relational aspects. The literature on cultural variability provides a strong theoretical explanation as to why both task and relational aspects are important in effective workgroups. Hence, IWCI merges these two different literatures in providing a practical theory of workgroup communication. This entry examines the three key components of the theory— inputs, processes, and outcomes—and the relationships among these concepts.

Littlejohn, Stephen W and Karen A.Floss. (2009). Encyclopedia of Communication Theory.USA:SAGE.396

Penanggungjawab naskah :

Gayes Mahestu
Edwina Ayu Kustiawan