The influence of cultural, relational, and personality factors on uncertainty reduction processes

The major purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cultural variability on communication. It was predicted that cultural variability in individualism‐collectivism influences uncertainty reduction in ingroup and outgroup relationships, while cultural variability in masculinity‐femininity influences uncertainty reduction in same‐ and opposite‐sex relationships. It also was hypothesized that self‐monitoring and predicted outcome value of the relationships influence uncertainty reduction processes in these relationships. Data were collected from respondents in Japan (a collectivistic and masculine culture) and the United States (an individualistic and feminine culture). Results of the study supported the prediction regarding the influence of cultural variability on ingroup and outgroup communication, and partially supported those regarding its effect on same‐and opposite‐sex relationships. The hypotheses regarding the effect of self‐monitoring and predicted outcome value on uncertainty reduction processes were also supported.