Generation Z and The Intercultural Communication Competence

Wijayanti, Chory Angela (2023) Generation Z and The Intercultural Communication Competence. In: Kuala Lumpur International Communication, Education, Language and Social Sciences 22nd (KLiCELS 22), 17-12-2023 - 17-12-2023, Selangor - Malaysia.

	PDF Download (173Kb)
	PDF Download (1767Kb)

Abstract

A lot of people in older generations believe Generation Z or Gen Z, collectively, are lazy. They dont go outside and play like kids used to. Instead of going to the gym or riding a bike, they stay inside and play on their video game consoles. Another negative attribute associated with Gen Z is the inability to interact in person. On the other hand, one of the core characteristics of Generation Z is racial diversity. For this reason, intercultural communication competence is really needed. Moreover, when asked what would bring more joy to their lives in future, vacations came out on top for Gen Z, highlighting the importance of travel and adventure for this generation. Thus, the opportunity for Gen Z to meet many people with diverse cultural backgrounds becomes very large. This study was conducted to photograph the extent of intercultural communication competence currently possessed by Gen Z. Research used an interpretive or constructive paradigm with a case study method. Researcher conducted a study on how 10 (ten) Gen Z people interact with people from different cultures with them. The results showed that the ability to develop intercultural awareness is the most important thing that supports success in increasing intercultural communication competence. In addition, languange are becoming interesting thing for Gen Z when visiting other regions or countries. Meanwhile, young people are not too interested in interacting with local communities, if there is no motivation. Doing assignments in the Intercultural Communication course then becomes a motivation that moves them to interact. As a result, Gen Z then gets an increase in the ability to communicate between cultures. Therefore, it is advisable for academics to motivate and mobilize Gen Z to interact more with people from different cultures. So, they do not become a generation that is constantly labeled as a generation that is lazy and difficult to interact with others.

Actions (login required)