Dr. Steve J. Kulich
Shutian Zhang
Min Zhu

Dr. Steve J. Kulich: Shanghai International Studies University Graduate School, Building 1, Room 513, 550 W. Dalian Road, Shanghai 200083, China. Email: kulis@uninet.com.cn.
Shutian Zhang: Fudan University, China550 W. Dalian Road, Shanghai 200083, China. Email: zhangshutiansiss@vip.sina.com.
Min Zhu: Department of Communication Studies, University of Minnesota, 285 Ford Hall, 224 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55444, USA, Email: zhux0146@umn.edu.

Both scholars and practitioners agree that identity plays an important role both in enhancing and in breaking down intercultural communications. Inaccurate identity attributions or undeveloped self-awareness are often reasons for cross-cultural misunderstandings, whether in global business, diplomacy, or education and training. Cultures undergoing rapid development in an increasingly global environment are particularly susceptible to identity confusion. Therefore, identity clarification during transitional periods in national economic development or among transitional groups (e.g., graduating students, young white collar professionals) needs to be an important part of intercultural training.
This paper reports on several studies underway in Shanghai: 1) seek to develop a comprehensive list of identity domains, 2) propose an extensive dynamic model of identity, and 3) consider how Chinese identities are changing in recent years. Specifically, the results from an identity ranking survey among 140 young graduates will be reported on and analyzed to give insights into trends and issues. Comparisons will be made to a parallel project seeking to map Chinese values domains in transition. Each of these studies and relevant findings will be discussed in terms of their impact on global business management and cross-cultural training applications.