此論文為質性研究，專在探討在異地工作者的文化適應過程。此研究透過半結構式訪談，一共蒐集了12位受訪者的資料。這些受訪者都滿足了以下條件1. 位於20至35歲之間，2. 目前正在非母國地區工作，3. 工作年份少於兩年。為了避免收集太過相似的資料，在範圍內收集最大差異化、訪者的背景極為重要。受訪者分別來自6個國家，分佈在10個國家工作。

分析的第一部份發現文化學習的過程可以採用Kolb提出的經驗學習理論解釋，當中「實驗」與「反思」是在文化學習的過程中必不可缺的環節。第二部份加入自我導向學習，在文化適應的過程中，適應力強的異地工作者，有強烈自我導向學習的欲望。他們擅長隨機應變，在快速學習文化差異之後，能在適當的時機在組織中發揮起改變性的作用，也在自己能力不足時尋求幫助。第三點分析證實組織提供的文化學習相關支援是非常有用的，有助於幫助這些異地工作者快速進入狀況，做出最好的表現。

關鍵字：文化差異、經驗學習理論、自我導向學習、文化適應

This thesis is qualitative research on searching for a model for culture learning and adjusting the process. To identify how newcomers cope and adjust themselves in organizations overseas. Twelve participants were interviewed in-depth semi-structured interviews, they all fulfilled the sampling criteria. It was a group of (1) age 20 to 35 people, who (2) have been working in that country for (3) less than 2 years. There were overall 6 different nationalities who were working in 10 different countries.

To seek the answer to three research questions. The first research question found out that Kolb’s learning theory explained the culture development process well, especially in experiencing and reflecting sections. The second part highlighted self-directed learning people are willing to adapt themselves not only to be changed to cope with the environment but also to change the organization if they have changed. They could position themselves in good timing to show their advantages as well as ask for support with their weaknesses. Past transition experience(s) helps the newcomers to overcome the difficulties faster. The last part showed that environmental support helps the individual to cope and adjust to the new environment easier and faster, in order to reach higher performance.

Key words: Kolb’s Learning Theory, Self-directed learning, Newcomer, Culture Adjustment, Culture Difference.

論文審定書 I
中文摘要 II
ABSTRACT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF TABLES V
LIST OF FIGURES V
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 3
2.1. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THEORY (ELT) 3
2.1.1. Experience / Doing 4
2.1.2. Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory (LSI) 4
2.1.3. Reflection 7
2.1.4. Self-directed 8
2.2. CULTURE ADJUSTMENT 9
2.3. ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT 11
RESEARCH QUESTIONS: 12
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 13
3.1. RESEARCH PROCEDURE 13
3.2. SAMPLE 15
3.3. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 17
3.4. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY 20
3.5. ETHICALITY 21
CHAPTER 4 RESULTS 24
4.1. INTERVIEWEES’ INFORMATION 24
4.2. THEMATIC ANALYSIS 32
Phase I. Familiarizing Myself with the Data 32
Phase II. Generating Initial Codes 33
Phase III. Searching for Themes 34
Phase IV. Reviewing Themes 35
Phase V. Forming a Framework of the Findings. 36
CHAPTER 5 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 37
5.1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1: 38
5.1.1. Culture Awareness 39
5.1.2. Observation 40
5.1.3. Adaption 43
5.1.4. Be Adaptable 44
5.2. RESEARCH QUESTIONS 2: 46
5.2.1. Part (a) Self-directed Learning & Kolb’s Learning Theory 47
5.2.2. Part (b) Adapting Strategy 56
5.3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS 3: 61
5.3.1. Organizational Support 62
5.3.2. External Environmental Support 63
CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION 64
6.1. OVERALL CONCLUSION 64
6.2. MULTINATIONAL TAKE AWAY 65
6.3. LIMITATIONS 66

REFERENCES 68
APPENDIX 1: PARTICIPANTS’ INFORMATION COLLECTION DOCUMENT 73
APPENDIX 2: INFORMED CONSENT FORM 74
APPENDIX 3: AN EXAMPLE OF PART TRANSCRIPT AND INITIAL CODING WORDS (E11, F, 26) 75

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