Expert Evaluation of comMCT, a Communication Model for Multicultural Teams

Effective communication is a key factor for the success of teams. More recently, globalization and modern communication technologies have contributed to the prevalence of multicultural teams and fast communication paths, creating additional challenges for effective communication. To support multicultural communication, a web-based communication model for multicultural teams (comMCT) was previously developed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only communication model for MCTs that provides a web-based representation and includes modules addressing a wide spectrum of interpersonal, structural, functional, and organizational aspects of effective multicultural team communication. The objective of the current effort is to evaluate and enhance the model with the participation of subject matter expert end-users. In the study, an international sample of 15 project managers evaluated the comMCT model on 7 criteria: completeness, structure, language, redundancy, understandability, originality, and usefulness. On a scale of YES!; Rather yes; Partly yes, partly no; Rather no, and NO!, the model was rated as good (corresponding to answer option ‘Rather yes’) or very good (corresponding to ‘YES!’) on all criteria except for redundancy. In addition, participants’ free text comments provided suggestions for improving the model in terms of complexity, interactivity, and calibration. Overall, the comMCT model was considered helpful and useful for supporting intercultural, work-related communication. Yet, further research and incremental optimization are needed in this domain.