Intercultural Study of Personal Space: A Case Study

Abstract

The study of intercultural differences in personal space attempts to identify factors that could be helpful in guiding people from different cultures to live and work together in international ventures. The objective of this research was to measure interpersonal distance in a cross‐cultural environment. Twenty‐three participants classified in 4 cultural groups answered an 11‐questions interview where the personal distance and orientation between seated interactants were measured. Results showed that Anglo Saxons used the largest zone of personal space, followed by Asians, then Caucasians, and, as expected, Mediterraneans and Latinos used the shortest distance. Where Latinos adopt a face‐to‐face position, Caucasians tend to orient themselves to the side of the interviewer, which has an impact on interpersonal communication.