Author(s): Shangui Hu, Jibao Gu, Hefu Liu, Qian Huang
Year of publication: 2017
Keywords: Multicultural experiences, Cultural intelligence, Individual creativity, Social media usage, Moderating role
Methodology/Sample: Survey/310 students
Reference: Hu, S., Gu, J., Liu, H., & Huang, Q. (2017). The moderating role of social media usage in the relationship among multicultural experiences, cultural intelligence, and individual creativity. Information Technology & People, 30(2), 265-281. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-04-2016-0099
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating role of social media usage in the relationship among multicultural experiences, cultural intelligence, and creativity.
Design/methodology/approach: This study conducted a questionnaire survey in three public universities in China and obtained 310 useful responses from international students.
Findings: The authors categorized social media usage into informational and socializing usage. Findings show that socializing social media usage strengthens the relationship between multicultural experiences and cultural intelligence, whereas informational social media usage does not strengthen such relationship.
Research limitations/implications: The findings suggest that practitioners, such as managers or university administrators, should focus on well-designed multicultural activities in the development of individual creativity. They should also acknowledge the enabling role of cultural intelligence in developing individual creativity and realize that social media usage should be differentiated from the outcomes of its usage.
Originality/value: This study contributes to the knowledge on the moderating role of social media usage in the relationship between multicultural experiences and creativity based on experiential learning theory. The study presents the relationship among multicultural experiences, cultural intelligence, and creativity. Moreover, by investigating the moderating roles of informational and socializing social media usage, the authors presented that an IT contingent view of multicultural experiences is helpful in understanding the relationship between multicultural experiences and cultural intelligence.
> Summary
- The paper explores social media’s moderating role in multicultural experiences, cultural intelligence, and creativity.
- It categorizes social media usage into informational and socializing types.
- Findings indicate socializing social media usage strengthens the relationship between multicultural experiences and cultural intelligence.
- Informational social media usage does not enhance this relationship.
- The study emphasizes the importance of well-designed multicultural activities for fostering individual creativity.
> Problem statement
- The study explores the moderating role of social media usage in the relationship among multicultural experiences, cultural intelligence, and creativity.
- It highlights the insignificant moderating effect of informational social media usage on the relationship between multicultural experiences and cultural intelligence.
- The research indicates that cultural intelligence partially mediates the relationship between multicultural experiences and creativity.
- Limitations include a cross-sectional design, which may not capture dynamic changes in learning processes.
- The sample’s focus on international students in China limits the generalizability of the findings.
> Methods used
- The study utilized a questionnaire survey conducted in three public universities in China, gathering 310 responses from international students.
- A six-item scale measuring social media usage was adapted, focusing on informational and socializing aspects.
- Multicultural experiences were measured through items assessing participation in university clubs and activities.
- The questionnaire underwent translation and validation processes to ensure cultural relevance and accuracy.
- Data analysis included assessments of convergent and discriminant validity using factor loadings, composite reliability, and average variance extracted.
> Practical implications
- Practitioners should focus on well-designed multicultural activities to enhance individual creativity.
- Cultural intelligence should be emphasized in fostering creativity in cross-cultural settings.
- Social media usage for social interaction should be encouraged to improve cultural intelligence.
- Informational social media usage does not enhance cultural intelligence from multicultural experiences.
- Different activities should be developed to increase intercultural contacts, affecting cultural intelligence.
- The study highlights the need for practitioners to differentiate social media usage outcomes.
- Managers and university administrators should acknowledge cultural intelligence’s enabling role in creativity.
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