Prejudice toward American Muslims: An integrated threat analysis

This study explores prejudice toward American Muslims. Prejudice is conceptualized using Stephan and Stephan’s integrated threat theory (ITT). ITT identifies four kinds of threat that can lead to prejudice: realistic threats, symbolic threats, stereotypes, and intergroup anxiety. Data were gathered in the United States (N = 281) among self-identified Christians. Findings confirm: 1) a positive correlation between real and symbolic threats, and stereotypes, 2) increased contact with an immigrant group, in this case Muslims, is negatively correlated with perceptions of real and symbolic threat, and 3) levels of prejudice differ based on level of education. Theoretical and practical implicatio…

Self-construals, conflict styles, and religious identification in India

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the relationships between self-construals, religious identification, and conflict styles in India. Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered in India (n=1,108) among Hindus (n=744) and Muslims (n=364) in various organizations throughout India. Conflict styles were measured using Oetzel's conflict style measure. Self-construal was measured using Singelis' self-construal measure. Pearson correlations and multiple regressions were conducted. Findings – Correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation between the independent and interdependent self-construal. Multiple hierarchical regression modeling demonstrated significant interactions …

Experiencing Cultural Contact at Work : An Exploration of Immigrants’ Perceptions of Work in Finland

Minority groups and communication apprehension: An investigation of Kurdistan

This study explores communication apprehension among the Iranian Kurdish minority group. Based on a sample of 157 self-administered surveys, the study investigates the relative communication apprehension (CA) score of Iranian Kurds and the influence of sex, age, and education on CA. Results revealed Kurds are relatively less apprehensive than many other cultures. It was also revealed that women have significantly higher levels of dyadic, public, and total CA. Moreover, all CA contexts (dyadic, groups, meeting, and public) and total CA tended to increase after grade 9 and decrease after completing high school. Age however, only had a modest effect on meeting CA. The findings propose higher l…

Communication apprehension, self-perceived communication competence, and willingness to communication in Singapore

Based in the assertion that different cultures value aspects of communication differently, this study explored the position of Singapore on the continuum of communication apprehension (CA), self-perceived communication competence (SPCC), and willingness to communicate (WTC). Responses were obtained from 209 self-identified ethnic-Chinese born in Singapore and 105 Malay immigrants. The results revealed ethnic-Chinese to have low self-reported CA, while Malays had high CA in comparison to regional neighbors. Malays and ethnic-Chinese both had low WTC and low SPCC levels in comparison to regional neighbors. The findings show a potential “immigrant effect,” as Malay immigrants had much higher C…

EDM and Ecstasy: the lived experiences of electronic dance music festival attendees

Attendance at large-scale music festivals has captivated a global interest in these spectacular experiences, yet little is known about the lasting benefits and personal changes individuals incur following this event. This study aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the lived experiences of individuals who attended a multi-day electronic dance music festival. The present study was primarily interested in the perceived beneficial changes within the individual, following their festival experience. We investigated if first-time festival attendees perceived changes differed to those of returning individuals. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to collect data from 12 indivi…

Religion, Religiosity, Sex, and Willingness to Express Political Opinions: A Spiral of Silence Analysis of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election

This study analyzes the extent to which an individual's sex, religion, and religiosity influence their willingness to voice an opinion about Barack Obama's ethnicity in the 2008 election. Results from 569 college students surveyed reveal sex to be a nonsignificant predictor, whereas religion and religiosity significantly influence willingness to voice an opinion about Obama's ethnicity. More religious individuals were more likely to voice an opinion about Obama's ethnicity as a voting issue in the campaign. There were significant differences among religious groups and their willingness to voice an opinion on this issue.

Accuracy, Coherence, and Discrepancy in Self and Other Reports: Moving Toward an Interactive Perspective of Organizational Dissent.

The purpose of this study was twofold and involved examining the viability of using the Organizational Dissent Scale as an other-report instrument, and developing additional perceptual data related to dissent expression. A sample of 291 people completed survey questionnaire measures of organizational dissent. Equal-sized groups ( n = 97) completed either a self-report, a workplace colleague other-report, or an organizational outsider other-report. Results indicated the Organizational Dissent Scale performed reliably as an other-report, but it showed some tendency for social desirability. In addition, findings suggested that certain indicators of proximity to the dissenter reduced discrepan…

An Exploration of Organizational Assimilation Among State-Owned, Private-Owned, and Foreign-Invested Enterprises in China

This study explores organizational assimilation in Chinese organizations. To reflect the Chinese context more accurately, the present study compared employees working in three different kinds of organizations: state-owned enterprises (SOEs), private-owned enterprises (POEs), and foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs). Data collected from 220 full-time employees were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Regression analyses demonstrated that employees’ level of organizational assimilation was significantly influenced by organizational type: Employees in SOEs reported the highest level and employees in FIEs reported the lowest level of organizational assimilation. peerReviewed

The relationship between organizational dissent and workplace freedom of speech: A cross-cultural analysis in Singapore

AbstractThis study is a test of the relationship between organizational dissent and the perception of workplace freedom of speech in Singapore. Through a quantitative analysis of 384 individuals in Singapore, the following was found: articulated dissent and latent dissent are positively correlated with workplace freedom of speech. In addition, multiple analysis of covariance analyses revealed nation of birth exerted considerable influence on articulated dissent, and latent dissent, but not on workplace freedom of speech. The results provide evidence of how nation of birth is related to an individual’s willingness to express dissent. Theoretical and practical implications for research into o…

Jealousy in Four Nations: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

This study analyses differences in the expression of jealousy between India, Ireland, Thailand, and the United States (n = 1,792). The results reveal that American, Irish, and Indian participants express more behavioral and emotional jealousy than Thai participants. In explaining the results, the discussion focuses on how individuals from more egocentric and masculine cultures (the U.S. and Ireland), and patriarchal cultures (India) are more likely to express jealousy than individuals from Thailand. Moreover, the discussion offers an analysis of this study's contribution to the sociocognitive perspective on jealousy.

A Test of the Relationship Between Argumentativeness and Individualism/Collectivism in the United States and Finland

This study explored relationships between argumentativeness and collectivism/individualism in Finland and the United States. Data were gathered in the United States (n = 412) and Finland (n = 261). The analysis suggested: (a) collectivism was negatively correlated with argumentativeness, (b) individualism was positively correlated with argumentativeness, and (c) Finnish participants reported lower levels of argumentativeness than Americans. Cultural differences between the United States and Finland are discussed as reasons for the differences between the nations on argumentativeness.

Intercultural communication: Where we’ve been, where we’re going, issues we face

The purpose of this review is to critically analyze the state of intercultural communication literature. This review has three purposes. First, this review summarizes where the discipline has been, paying close attention to the discipline’s history and some key areas of research. Second, this review discusses where the discipline is going, with an emphasis on how the discipline is expanding into new contextual areas of research. Finally, the review presents challenges, issues, and areas for future discussion for intercultural communication.

An exploration of organization dissent and workplace freedom of speech among young professional intra-urban migrants in Shanghai

This study explores the factors influencing the dissent behavior and perceptions of workplace freedom of speech among young Chinese professionals who are intra-urban migrants. It attempts to grasp the role of the Chinese household registration system, referred to as Hukou, in migrants’ professional and everyday life. Fourteen interviews were conducted with young, well-educated intra-urban migrants who possessed middle-income jobs but did not possess a Shanghai registration (Hukou). This study reveals that traditional Confucian values are significant in shaping Chinese migrant workers’ expressions of dissent and perceptions of workplace freedom of speech. Findings from this study demonstrate…

Threats and attitudes toward Russian-speaking immigrants: a comparative study between younger and older Finns

Using integrated threat theory as a theoretical lens to detect negative attitudes toward minority groups, this study compares and contrasts the perceptions and attitudes of older and younger Finns toward Russian-speaking minorities in Finland. A sample of high school students between 16 and 20 years of age represented the younger generation, while individuals over 65 years of age represented the older generation. The total sample was 242. Results indicated that there is a positive correlation between threat perception and prejudice. Results revealed that both groups have prejudices against Russian speakers and that these prejudices are related to the perception of realistic threat and negat…

Cultural fusion theory : An alternative to acculturation

ABSTRACTThis article lays out a theoretical framework for cultural fusion theory. This theory borrows from various theoretical frameworks to provide a more realistic description of the immigrant experience. Specifically, cultural fusion theory describes how newcomers acculturate into the dominant culture and maintain aspects of their minority culture, while at the same time the dominant or host culture also fuses aspects off the newcomer’s culture into the dominant culture to create a fused intercultural identity. Boundary conditions, assumptions, axioms, and theorems are presented to define cultural fusion theory.

An exploratory study on the attitudes of elderly Finns towards Russian-speaking minorities

Research has shown Russian speakers in Finland are often victims of prejudice and discrimination. Utilizing integrated threat theory, this study investigated the extent to which threats are signifi...

The relationship between communication apprehension and linguistic fluency: an analysis of North African and Russian immigrants in France

North African and Russian immigrants in France were recruited (334) to complete a survey investigating the relationships between communication apprehension (CA) and linguistic fluency. Correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between linguistic fluency in the dominant language and CA, meaning individuals who are fluent in the dominant language tend to be less apprehensive. Moreover, independent samples t-tests revealed Russian immigrants score higher on CA than do North African immigrants. Theoretical implications regarding the importance of studying Islam, linguistic fluency, and cultural adaptation are presented.

Religion and the Relationship Between Verbal Aggressiveness and Argumentativeness

This study analyzes the influence of sex, education, religion, and religiosity on the relationship between argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness. Verbal aggressiveness is a less acceptable way to approach disagreement than argumentativeness. Argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness were not significantly related. Further analysis revealed that male participants were significantly more verbally aggressive, individuals with higher education were less verbally aggressive, and religiosity decreased verbal aggressiveness. Moreover, Mainline Protestants were generally more verbally aggressive than other religious groups.

The Difference in Verbal aggressiveness Between the United States and Thailand

This study analyzes the verbal aggressiveness of Americans (n = 592) and Thais (n = 232). Specifically, the analysis of this convenience sample revealed that Thais are more verbally aggressive than Americans. Cultural differences between the 2 nations are discussed as explanations for differences between the 2 nations in verbal aggressiveness.

Men and women in positions of responsibility: A qualitative analysis of organizational readiness in France and Finland

This paper examines whether male and female managers hold different opinion on women in managerial and higher level positions, depending on their different cultural background. Furthermore, the paper deals with managers’ perception of organizational readiness to accept women in managerial positions. The paper is looking at this aspect from a cultural perspective, by comparing France to Finland. The research is based on 16 interviews, 9 from France and 7 from Finland, with individuals in different managerial positions in 10 private companies located in both countries. Findings indicate that regardless of the country and of the cultural backgrounds, organizations are not ready to let women cl…

A test of the relationship between argumentativeness, individualism/collectivism, and conflict style preference in the United States and Finland

This study explored relationships between argumentativeness and collectivism/individualism in Finland and the United States. Data were gathered in the United States (n = 412) and Finland (n = 261). The analysis suggested: (a) collectivism was negatively correlated with argumentativeness, (b) individualism was positively correlated with argumentativeness, and (c) Finnish participants reported lower levels of argumentativeness than Americans. Cultural differences between the United States and Finland are discussed as reasons for the differences between the nations on argumentativeness. peerReviewed

Acculturation preferences towards immigrants: Age and gender differences among Finnish adolescents

Abstract Discussions concerning if and how immigrants should acculturate into Finnish society have become popular especially in the aftermath of the refugee crisis. Despite the abundance of research on acculturation preferences of majority members towards immigrant groups, research on the stability of majority acculturation preferences in adolescence does not exist. In a sample of early (11–13 years, n = 157), middle (14–16 years, n = 362) and late (17–19 years, n = 279) adolescents, this study investigated the stability of acculturation preferences as adolescents age, and the extent to which men and women differed. Contrary to expectations, results indicated support for integration increas…

A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Communication Apprehension : A Comparison of Three European Nations

Data from England, Finland, and Germany were used to explore national differences in communication apprehension (CA). Based on the traditions of oral communication training in each nation, and the history of cross-cultural comparisons in CA, it was proposed that national differences would emerge. English participants scored lower than Finnish and German participants on totalCA, publicCA, dyadicCA, and meetingCA; Finnish participants scored higher than all nations on totalCA, dyadicCA, and meetingCA; and German participants consistently scored in the middle on all aspects of CA, except for publicCA. The study of oral communication, conversational style, and politeness are discussed as potent…

Further development of integrated threat theory and intergroup contact: a reply to Aberson (2015)

ABSTRACTThis essay furthers a dialogue about the theoretical and statistical merits of Croucher's [(2013). Integrated threat theory and acceptance of immigrant assimilation: An analysis of Muslim immigration in Western Europe. Communication Monographs, 80, 46–62] study exploring the relationships between threat from an immigrant group, belief that an immigrant wants to assimilate, and intergroup contact. Key points of divergence include assertions that (a) the relationships in the original piece are counter to previous literature/relationships, (b) the correlations presented are implausible, (c) the magnitude of the relationships is too strong, and (d) the manuscript has “odd” multiple regr…

Perceived threat and prejudice towards immigrants in Finland : A study among early, middle, and late Finnish adolescents

ABSTRACTUsing integrated threat theory, this study examined how perceived threat, or fear of immigrants, manifests among early, middle, and late Finnish adolescents, and the relationship between perceived threat and prejudice among early, middle, and late adolescents. The sample consisted of 795 Finnish adolescents between 11 and 19 years of age. Realistic and symbolic threats were the most perceived threats and were more prevalent among late adolescents. There was a positive relationship between prejudice and realistic threat, and between prejudice and symbolic threat, but a negative relationship between prejudice and negative stereotyping, and this relationship remained relatively stable …

Retraction Note: Evaluating polymicrobial immune responses in patients suffering from tick-borne diseases

There is insufficient evidence to support screening of various tick-borne diseases (TBD) related microbes alongside Borrelia in patients suffering from TBD. To evaluate the involvement of multiple microbial immune responses in patients experiencing TBD we utilized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Four hundred and thirty-two human serum samples organized into seven categories followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention two-tier Lyme disease (LD) diagnosis guidelines and Infectious Disease Society of America guidelines for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. All patient categories were tested for their immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) responses against 20 microbes associated wit…

A longitudinal test of the effects of Facebook use on cultural adaptation

The present study is a longitudinal examination of the role of Facebook on the cultural adaptation of Muslim immigrants to the United States (n = 379). Immigrants’ use of Facebook affects interactions with the dominant culture and with the ingroup. Respondents were asked about their use of Facebook, motivation to culturally adapt, and perceptions of the US at two different points in a 6-year period. Analysis revealed the following. Muslim immigrants to the US from 2006 to 2012 who used Facebook more for social interaction with the ingroup were less likely to be motivated to culturally adapt to the US dominant culture and these same immigrants were more likely to have a negative perception o…

A cross-cultural analysis of organizational dissent and workplace freedom in five European economies.

Individuals in five European countries—Finland, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom (n = 1184)—completed a survey exploring the relationship between organizational dissent and workplace freedom of speech. Results revealed workplace freedom of speech is positively correlated with dissent among the entire sample in France and in Germany. Results in Spain were nonsignificant. In the United Kingdom, there was a negative relationship between workplace freedom of speech and dissent. There was a negative relationship between workplace freedom of speech and articulated dissent and a positive relationship with latent dissent in Finland. Moreover, MANCOVA testing showed nationality to have…

Perceived threat and prejudice towards immigrants in Finland : A study among early, middle, and late Finnish adolescents

Using integrated threat theory, this study examined how perceived threat, or fear of immigrants, manifests among early, middle, and late Finnish adolescents, and the relationship between perceived threat and prejudice among early, middle, and late adolescents. The sample consisted of 795 Finnish adolescents between 11 and 19 years of age. Realistic and symbolic threats were the most perceived threats and were more prevalent among late adolescents. There was a positive relationship between prejudice and realistic threat, and between prejudice and symbolic threat, but a negative relationship between prejudice and negative stereotyping, and this relationship remained relatively stable from ear…