Title
The Influence of Ethnicity on Listening, Communication Competence, Approach, and Avoidance
Abstract
The purpose of study reported in this article was to examine differences in communication and listening predispositions and communication competence across ethnicity, as well as contribute to the discussion of the growing cultural diversity in the educational and work contexts of the United States. Subjects were 275 undergraduates enrolled in a basic “Introduction to Communication Studies” course. Results were that Whites are perceived as more “approaching” and communicatively competent and African Americans are perceived as less expressive and communicatively competent. Hispanics and Asian Americans rank somewhere in between Whites and African Americans. However, what must be kept in mind is what one perceives as characteristics of a “good listener” or a “good communicator” is often determined by subtle, yet powerful influences and rules characteristic of one's own ethnic background.
Department(s)
Communication
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.1998.10499021
Publication Date
1998
Recommended Citation
Dillon, Randy K., and Nelya J. McKenzie. "The influence of ethnicity on listening, communication competence, approach, and avoidance." International Journal of Listening 12, no. 1 (1998): 106-121.
