Developing effective strategies for international construction projects requires knowledge and expertise that is technically, socially, politically, economically and culturally based (Fellows et al., 2002). These strategies all require effective communication to work. Communication in the international environment is further complicated by the differences in languages and cultures involved. The importance of effective communication cannot be overemphasised because it is the ultimate means by which behaviour is modified, change is effected, knowledge is acquired and shared, and goals are achieved (Howes and Tah, 2003). According to Loosemore and Al Muslmani (1999), communication problems will emerge as one of the most significant contemporary challenges facing construction project managers in an increasingly international construction market. However, Dieckmann (1996) points out that communication is also regarded as one of the most neglected and overlooked parts of international operations, and lack of communication has been cited as one of the biggest reasons for the failure of change projects to meet their expectations (Pardu, 1996). Cross-cultural communication is defined as "the process whereby individuals from different cultural backgrounds attempt to share meanings and feelings through the exchange of verbal and non-verbal messages" (Harris and Moran, 2000). This sequential explanatory mixed methods study investigates the impact of cross-cultural communication on construction project management systems in Samoa. The first phase involved an opinion questionnaire survey with predominantly quantitative questions addressing the impact of human and cultural influences on project management and crosscultural communication evaluation processes, as experienced by expatriates and local managers, who have worked or are working in Samoa across a number of industries. Qualitative interviews were used in the second phase to probe significant themes and findings in the first phase by explaining and exploring aspects of the cross-cultural communication process focusing on construction project managers and supervisors working in Samoa. The quantitative results and qualitative findings generally confirmed the literature on crosscultural communication and related project management issues. The findings highlighted contrasting views between the different nationalities involved in projects in Samoa. Specific 'new themes' to a small island nation such as Samoa were identified. This research developed a generic conceptual framework for cross-cultural communication evaluation in an international project environment. An integrated cultural framework was also formulated to identify central differences in culture. In conclusion, it is clearly evident from this study that international project management requires an effective process regarding communication evaluation. The findings indicate there is no single 'best solution' to effectively manage the impact of cross-cultural communication on management systems. Rather, it requires the application of appropriate strategies by the proactive practitioners with the necessary cross-cultural skills that best suit the host environment in which the projects are being carried out.

University of Technology, Sydney. Faculty of Education. / This thesis examines the construction processes of language, culture and identities in relation to both the macro level of society and culture, as well as the micro-individual level. It argues that there is a need to understand these constructions beyond discrete notions of language, identities and culture. The thesis mobilises performativity theory to explore how exposure to a variety of practices during the life trajectory has an impact on the construction and performance of language, identities and culture. It shows how a theory of performativity can provide a comprehensive account of the complex process of, and the relationships between, hybridisation (engagement in a range of cultural practices) and monolithication (nostalgic attachments to familiar practices). The thesis also suggests that the deployment of performativity theory with a focus on individual biography as well as larger social-cultural factors may fill a gap left in some other modes of analysis such as Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Conversation Analysis (CA). Analysing data from four workplaces in Australia, the study focuses on trans-institutional talk, namely casual conversation in which people from a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds work together. Following the suggestion (Pennycook 2003; Luke 2002) that there is a need to shift away from the understanding that a particular language is attached to a particular nation, territory and ethnicity, the thesis shows how discrete ethnic and linguistic labels such as ‘Japanese’ and ‘English’ as well as notions of ‘code-switching’ and ‘bi-lingualism’ become problematic in the attempt to grasp the complexity of contemporary transcultural workplaces. The thesis also explores the potential agency of subjects at the convergence of various discourses through iterative linguistic and cultural performances. In summary, the thesis provides deeper insight into transcultural performances to show the links between idiosyncratic individual performances and the construction of transcultural linguistic, cultural phenomena within globalisation.

No description available.

No description available.

Australia's population as estimated at 30 June 1997 was 18.5 million of which 23.3 percent were born overseas. People from non-English speaking countries account for 14.2 percent of the Australian population. The 1996 Census shows that 2.6 million in Australia speak a language other than English at home. Therefore, no one can deny that Australia's society is characterised by cultural and linguistic diversity. In this context, migrant health services, and policies and the needs of people from different cultural backgrounds in the area of health have been addressed since the early 1980s. This thesis draws attention to the concept of 'health' as a fundamental dimension embedded in the area of health care and its related policies, services, programs, and health instruments. This current study questions the idea of universality in the concept of 'health' which suggests that a certain meaning and construction of health can be applied to any culture and society. For this purpose, a qualitative study was designed to explore the concept of health within a group of Iranians in Australia and to examine the appropriateness of the aspects and constructs of health identified in the SF-36, a self-report health status questionnaire developed in the United States, for an Iranian population. The methodology used in this research sought to collect qualitative data with a sample of 21 Iranians- 10 females, and 11 males. The NUD.IST program was used to organise and manage the data for the first time in the Persian language. Findings from the research provided evidence of the ways a sample of Iranians understood health and its embedded dimensions. The themes that emerged from the transcripts as significantly reflecting participants' conceptualisation of health included harmony, health as a concept which is both emotional and physical; integrated, spiritual aspect of health; tranquillity, physical and emotional aspects of health; social and familial relationships; and absence of disorder. Using these themes, a framework consisting of the components of health was developed. The components of the framework include holistic, spiritual, dualistic, social, operational, oppositional, and comparative and relative dimensions. Findings provide evidence which supports the assumption that a group of Iranians have certain views of 'concepts of health'. The results from the research provided evidence that some of the items and constructs relating to health included in the SF-36 seem to be problematic when administered to an Iranian population. The findings of the thesis suggest that a qualitative inquiry into Iranians' discourse of health and its dimensions should be made with an Iranian group before administering an instrument such as the SF-36. Analysis of findings suggests a number of recommendations and modifications when the SF-36 is translated from English into Persian and administered to a group of Iranians.

Thesis (M. Ed.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Education, 1985. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 160-178).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes survey instruments. Includes bibliographic references (ℓ. 100-130)

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2007 / Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Social Work. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 102-108).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Murdoch University, 2003. / Thesis submitted to the Division of Arts, 2003. Bibliography: leaves 305-323.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Akron, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-127).