Richard D. Babcock

Language-based Communication Zones in International Business Communication.

This paper presents a model of language-based communication zones in international business communication. The model builds on Du-Babcock and Babcocks (1996) descriptions of expatriate-local personnel communication patterns by reconfiguring and adding new zones, which vary according to the language proficiency matches of the interactants. The eight new communication zones represented here can contribute to a more comprehensive framework that represents the dynamic, bi-directional, mul tiply influenced, and tmnsformational translation process integral to international business communication. Previous research has operated on the assumption that all participants within an international business communication setting function as fully proficient users of all languages being spoken, with no accounting for communica tion difficulties based on varying levels of language proficiency. This study asserts that there is, in fact, a language-competency variable that greatly impacts communi cation and communication dynamics within the eight identified language-based com munication zones. Research-based incidents from four countries illustrate likely communication patterns in the language-based communication zones.

The relative importance of facial attractiveness and gender in Hong Kong selection decisions

This field experiment found that Hong Kong human resources management specialists were influenced by the attractiveness bias in evaluating short-listed candidates for an entry-level trainee position. Zero order, stepwise and hierarchical regressions showed that perceived attractiveness of the candidates was more related to their work experience and work-related skills than to grade-point average and public examination results. Women candidates were generally preferred over male candidates. Further research is suggested to determine if the influence of attractiveness extends over a wider range of jobs and to measure more precisely the influence of attractiveness in different cultures and for men and women.

Patterns of Expatriate-Local Personnel Communication in Multinational Corporations.

This paper presents empirically-derived models of expatriate-local staff oral communication patterns. The communication dynamics differed in three identi fied communication zones. The expatriates with the cooperation of the local Chinese were able to develop efficient but different communication systems in all three zones. The cultural influences on both expatriates and local Chinese interlocutors varied among these zones.

Genre Patterns in Language-Based Communication Zones

This article modifies and elaborates the language-based communication zones model. The authors distinguish between potential zones and activated zones, add MegaZone Two and MegaZone Three to the model, define language competency more completely and precisely, and identify three types of genre patterns (i.e., professional genre, commercial genre, and relational genre). Concentrating on the language patterns in the direct channels of language-based communication zones, they focus on determining the language competencies required to communicate directly in different communication situations and about different communication tasks. Professional, commercial, and relational genre patterns in Zone One, MegaZone Two, and MegaZone Three are identified and described. Research-based examples are included to illustrate the genre patterns.