Browsing by Author "Aalto, Tytti"

Intercultural communication competence entails “effective,” “successful” and “appropriate” interaction across cultural contexts. Interpersonal communication competence is central in dyadic social interaction. In addition to these concepts, the central definitions in this study are concepts of effectiveness and appropriateness related to communication competence This study aims at shedding light in the perceptions of the scholars in Villa Karo of their interpersonal communication competence in collaborative interaction with the local residents in Grand Popo, Benin. The data was obtained via semi-structured interviews conducted in November – December 2020. Seven interviewees, who had spent time as scholars in Villa Karo, were recruited via Villa Karo office in Helsinki. The data was analysed by using thematic analyses. Through coding three themes were identified in the data: language use, relationship building as competence and reflections of perceived appropriateness. The results show that the scholars had little expectations and knowledge about the culture in advance, but yet reported managing communication well in relation to the goals of the project. They all reported perceiving their interpersonal communication in their collaborative interaction as effective, meaning achieving desired, preferred outcomes in communication. The accounts of being appropriate communicators, meaning that the scholars knew how to behave and communicate according to expectations and demands of the situation were more ambiguous. All interviewees reported that their project work was actualised as planned.