A Phenomenological Study of Cross-Cultural Adaptation among Indonesian Diaspora Working in Western Countries

Yayan Firmansah; Lathiefa Rusli; Md. Atiqur Rahman Sarker

doi:10.47747/ijbme.v7i4.3700

Authors

Yayan Firmansah Department of Management, Universitas Darussalam Gontor
Lathiefa Rusli Department of Management, Universitas Darussalam Gontor
Md. Atiqur Rahman Sarker Department of Business Administration, East West University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47747/ijbme.v7i4.3700

Keywords:

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Indonesian Diaspora, Qualitative Research, Phenomenology, Intercultural Communication

Abstract

The increasing mobility of Indonesian professionals, students, and skilled workers to Western countries highlights the need to understand their cross-cultural adaptation experiences. Despite growing research on cross-cultural adaptation, Indonesian diaspora remain underrepresented, particularly in qualitative studies spanning multiple Western countries. This study explores the lived experiences of Indonesian diaspora adapting to diverse Western cultural contexts. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed through semi-structured interviews with 15 Indonesian diaspora residing in Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Data were analyzed using modified van Kaam method. Four interconnected themes emerged: navigating cultural differences through continuous learning, reconstructing identity while preserving Indonesian cultural and religious values, building resilience through social support and intercultural networks, and experiencing personal transformation through global mindsets and intercultural competence. The findings indicate that cross-cultural adaptation is not cultural assimilation but a dynamic process of negotiating cultural identity while engaging effectively with the host society. Social relationships, religious identity, and intercultural interactions emerged as important resources for adaptation.

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References

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