Intercultural Communication Competence via IP Services Applications: A Modified Task-technology Fit Perspective

Technology and effective communication have been acknowledged as essential components of the globalization process. However, there is little empirical research regarding the role of technology in assisting individuals in communicating across cultures. Over a four week period, one hundred American and sixty Taiwanese subjects communicated virtually via the Internet Protocol (IP) services application Skype on a one-to-one basis in order to learn from each about their respective cultures and acquire communication skills. A survey was administered to the American participants at the end of the four weeks. The results of a Partial Least Squares analysis show strong support for using a self-efficacy modified task-technology fit perspective to understand the relationship between IP services applications and intercultural communication competence. The utilization of IP services applications and the perception that the IP services applications fit intercultural communication tasks are useful predictors for perceived intercultural communication competence.