Citation Practices of Contrasting Cultures in Q1 Journal Articles

Citation is a distinguishing feature in research writing that every researcher must include to ensure credible ethical research. Citing sources is necessary as it provides credit to the original author, refers to previous findings, sets credibility, and enables sustainability of the topic. However, studies least consider culture as an element that influences citation beliefs and practices. Most literature holds a lack of language proficiency as the culprit for poor citation skills. Drawing from Hofstede's Cultural Dimension theory (2011) and Lewis’ (2006) Cultural Behaviour in Relation to Writing, this study explores the influence of culture on citation practices with the hope of harmonizing the two elements to the advantage of writers, regardless of culture. Citation features of thirty (30) journal articles published in Q1 journals written by authors of different disciplines from collectivist and individualist countries were analyzed in search of particular practices. Results reveal the alignment of citation behaviour of research writers based on their country’s cultural writing description, indicating that culture indeed affects citation practices, belief in the necessity of citing sources, and ways of citing information. Writing features and patterns found in the Q1 journal articles reveal the cultural foundation on which information must be cited and how these should be cited. Recommendations were presented on how the features can be utilized in education and progressive disciplinary writing that is culturally critical, coherent, and compelling.