The practice of multimodal approaches, the challenge of cross-cultural communication, and the search for responses

Journal/Book: Hum Relat. 1999; 52: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA. Plenum Publ Corp. 579-607.

Abstract: The development of multimodal approaches presents an opportunity for human beings to increase their competence in managing complexity, while at the same time brings a challenge of cross-cultural communication. Some claim that two approaches have been proposed for tackling this challenge: an approach of ''frameworks'' and an approach of ''discourse.'' Some go further to contend dropping frameworks and taking up discourse. This paper argues that, if it is true that there exist these two approaches, neither the ''frameworks'' nor the ''discourse'' approach alone is sufficient. It is suggested that researchers and practitioners may be better equipped by participating in discourses with and among frameworks. Employing three metaphors, this paper proposes that, in the way ''force-fields'' and ''constellations'' require and imply each other, both frameworks and discourse ari: necessary for human beings to act as a ''Peircian fiber-cable'' in social problem-solving.

Note: Article Zhu ZC, Lincoln Sch Management, Dept Informat Syst, Lincoln LN6 7TS, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): multimodal approach; method choice; cross-cultural communication; frameworks; discourse; force-fields; constellations; fiber-cable; TOTAL SYSTEMS INTERVENTION; DESIGN; METHODOLOGIES

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