The dissertation was a hypothesis-generating study which investigated the scope and nature of learnings provided by an integrated model of training in cross-cultural transition. The model consisted of a conceptual tool, the Model For Cross-Cultural Synthesis and Growth, which describes cross-cultural transition as an on-going process of adaptation and growth experienced by human beings who significantly interact with one or more varying cultures. The model also consisted of an experiential learning tool, the Somis, Amicans, and Nirions exercise, which simulates critical interactional dynamics and dilemmas inherent in the process of cross-cultural transition. Two six-hour workshops were conducted on consecutive days, with participants with undergraduate or graduate training in the fields of education, human services, and management, using the same model and training staff. The participants were predominantly female, English speaking U.S.A. citizens, with European American cultural backgrounds. Journal and open-ended questionnaire data were gathered. They were analyzed by the constant comparative method of grounded theory. The findings revealed very strong support for the model as an effective tool in providing meaningful learning in the process of cross-cultural transition. They were equally as supportive of the conceptual tool, as accurately depicting the process of cross-cultural transition, and of the experiential learning tool, as a powerful simulation which effectively transmits meaningful knowledge of this process. Ethnocentrism, identity, and power dynamics were focal points in the learnings of the participants. Differences in individual interaction style and engagement mode were found. All participants reported significant learnings regardless of these differences.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UMASS/oai:scholarworks.umass.edu:dissertations-8178 |
| Date | 01 January 1991 |
| Creators | Comnenou, Constantina |
| Publisher | ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst |
| Source Sets | University of Massachusetts, Amherst |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest |
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