Public Administration ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-21-2020

Abstract

Globalization, advances in communication technology, and growing international contact have resulted in increased interconnection of populations from different social, ethnic, and cultural groups. Intercultural competency skills such as intercultural understanding and communication are now necessary requirements to function in culturally diverse communities, workplaces, and society. Adolescence has been identified as an opportune developmental stage for interventions aimed at improving intergroup attitudes. This study conducted pre- and post-program surveys with 313 U.S. students ages 10 to 17 to examine if participation in an intercultural global virtual exchange impacted attitudes of intercultural awareness, intercultural sensitivity, and perspective-taking. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to determine if there was statistical mean difference between pre- and post- program outcomes. Sub-group analyses were conducted to examine possible program effects in subgroups. The results suggest that while little to no statistical significance was demonstrated, students experienced modest increases in some areas of intercultural communication, while not

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Shuyang Peng

Second Committee Member

Dr. Kate Cartwright

Third Committee Member

Dr. Stephen Bishop

Language

English

Keywords

intercultural, communication, understanding, competence, adolescents, virtual exchange

Document Type

Thesis

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