Use of cultural intelligence to measure influence of online social networks on cultural adjustment

Abstract

When people are crossing the borders for studies, business and migration purposes, they have to face the culture shock during the mingling of new cultures. However, as online social networks can be reached anytime, from anywhere in most cases where access to traditional networks is impossible, this makes online social networks, particularly important to the sojourner who will have to constantly resort to social support sources to cope with the difficulties and psychological stress of cross-cultural adjustment. Nevertheless, the use of online social networks in the context of cultural adjustment is an under explored area. This study draws upon social network theory, social capital theory and cultural adjustment perspectives, to develop a new model which can contribute to the sparse literature on the impact of online social networks on cross-cultural adjustment and serves a foundation for future research in this vital area of influence of online social networks.