Research Questions
Chinese foreign correspondents today work in a more globalized and connected environment, but at the same time, they face ongoing challenges in dealing with conflicting professional norms in different cultural settings. For example, in the U.S., the primary responsibility of journalists is usually seen as their contribution to democracy and
civil society. However, in China, journalists may prioritize collective well-being and social harmony over democracy.
The primary focus of this study is to explore how Chinese foreign correspondents cope with the challenges of conflicted identities, autonomy, and conceptions of the role of journalists when faced with different cultural and professional norms.
What I plan to do - mixed methods
In order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of different acculturation strategies Chinese foreign correspondents might employ and how they perceive the potential impact of acculturation on their journalistic norms and roles, this study will take a multifaceted approach to capture nuances which may be missed by solely relying on one method.
Qualitative/Attitudinal Research:
I plan to conduct 25 in-depth interviews with Chinese foreign correspondents in the U.S. to unpack their journalistic practice and acculturation experience.
Quantitative/ Behavioral Research:
Because what people say in attitudinal research does not always match what they actually end up doing. Therefore, this study will also analyze content created by Chinese foreign correspondents and see how their conceptualization of their journalistic role is enacted in the content and to triangulate with the qualitative results.
