Motivation, communication and cultural adaptation of Chinese immigrants in Singapore.

Abstract

This study analyzed the effect of motivation to adapt on the cultural adaptation process of Chinese immigrants in Singapore. It was based on Kim’s Cross-cultural Adaptation Theory (1988, 2001, 2005). 808 Chinese immigrants were surveyed. The findings revealed that motivation to adapt was a significant factor affecting an individual’s host interpersonal communication and mass media communication. These communications, in turn, significantly predicted the individual’s extent of intercultural transformation. Factors such as the immigrant’s intended length of stay and perceived receptivity of the host culture were also shown to significantly affect adaptation motivation. This study contributed to the existing literature by examining the specific role of adaptation motivation which had not been thoroughly investigated in the field of cross-cultural adaptation, particularly in the context of Kim’s structural model.