Intercultural Communication Experiences between Ethiopian and Kenyan Professionals Working in Selected Multinational Organizations in Nairobi

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the intercultural communication experiences between Ethiopian and Kenyan professionals working within selected multinational organizations in Nairobi. Five multinational organizations were identified for the sampling UN (United Nations), World Vision, Cooperative for Assistance Relief Everywhere (CARE), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Oxfam. The study was qualitative and used exploratory research design. It was carried out through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. A total of sixteen in-depth interviews with purposively selected Ethiopian and Kenyan professionals were conducted. The data obtained was analyzed based on themes adapted from Kluckhonn and Strodtbeck's Value Orientation Model and other models borrowed from Samovar et. al. (1981) and Lingenfelter and Mayers (1986). The findings of the study show that there were some differences between Kenyan and Ethiopian professionals who work in different multinational organizations in terms of verbal signals and orientation towards nature, time and work.