American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
ISSN (Online): 2378-7031
DOI: 10.46568/2378-7031
Building Intercultural Competence Among Chinese University Students: A Review of Factors Shaping Global Business Readiness
Affiliation
Yang Lui1*, Caiyun Gao2, Zheng Zhong2,3*, Yan Zhou4, Shan Hei5
1College of International Chinese Language Education, Yunnan Normal University, Juxian Street, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, China
2School of Foreign Languages, Luoyang Normal University, No. 6, Jiqing Road, Yibin, Luolong District, Luoyang, 471934, Henan, China
3Hunan First Normal University, School of Foreign Studies, China
4University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 2BN(Hons), RN, The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
5Research Institute of Social Development, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China
Citation: Lui Y, Gao C, Zhong Z, Zhou Y, Hei S. “Building Intercultural Competence Among Chinese University Students: A Review of Factors Shaping Global Business Readiness”, American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, Vol 11, no. 2, 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Lui Y, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
The expansion of international digital commerce has transformed the skills required for participation in global markets, placing intercultural competence at the forefront of cross-border business education. Alongside the increasing influence of e-commerce ecosystems and digital communication platforms, universities are expected to equip students with the cultural and communicative capabilities needed to engage effectively with international stakeholders. In China, this objective is further complicated by limited access to several global social networking platforms, creating distinctive challenges for students preparing for international business careers. Although previous studies have examined the development of intercultural competence, existing evidence remains fragmented because of variations in research contexts, participant groups, and theoretical perspectives.
To consolidate current knowledge, this study presents a systematic literature review of research examining the factors that contribute to intercultural competence among Chinese university students, with particular attention to learners involved in cross-border e-commerce and related international trade disciplines. The reviewed literature was synthesized through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and influential determinants across diverse educational and professional settings.
The research identified six interrelated dimensions that consistently support the development of intercultural competence: meaningful intercultural interaction, proficiency in business English communication, a global mindset, comprehensive cultural understanding, adaptive capability in multicultural environments, and entrepreneurial orientation. Collectively, these dimensions strengthen students' preparedness for international collaboration and improve their capacity to respond to the demands of global business.
