Developing Intercultural Competence  

for Higher Education Faculty & Staff  

Atlanta, GA January 26, 2013

Chris Cartwright, Ed.D. Intercultural Communication Institute

Session  Objec,ves  

•  Intercultural  Competence  •  Development  •  Discussion  &  Prac,ce  

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Intercultural Competency:

•  A Mind set: Knowledge •  A Heart set: Attitude • A Skill set: Abilities

Confluence of Difference

A Few Things We Know About Intercultural Competence: •  Cultural

knowledge

•  Cultural contact

•  Reduction of stereotypes

•  Language

Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity

Denial  • Disinterest  • Avoidance  

Polariza,on  • Defense  • Reversal  

Minimiza,on  • Similarity  • Universalism  

Acceptance  Adapta,on  • Cogni,ve  frame-­‐shiEing  

• Behavioral  code-­‐shiEing  Monocultural

Mindset

Intercultural Mindset

What Leads to Intercultural Competence?

•  Intentional Design

•  Balance

•  Book End

What Leads to Intercultural Competence?

•  Depth of Immersion

•  Training

•  Curiosity & Cognitive Flexibility

High Performing People

In Cross-cultural & Diverse Contexts

Relevant Operational Knowledge

Personal Competencies

Technical Expertise

Learning

Self Management

Relationship

Intercultural Competence

Films/books

Intercultural seminars

Intercultural exposure trips

Intercultural project teams

Intercultural task forces

Intercultural virtual teams

Lecture Self-study Cultural briefings

Role playing

Case analysis

Cultural assimilator training

Language training

Strategic intercultural travel

Intercultural assessment centers

Planned field experiences

Sophisticated simulations

Non-buffered expatriate assignments

High Potential for Remapping

Low

Degree of Experiential

Rigor

Number and Valence of Feedback Sources

High

High

Classroom

20%

Info exchange w/others

30%

Developmental Methodologies

   The Learning Style Inventory: Kolb’s experiential cycle                          

                 

Interculturalizing Education

Cognitive Styles

Interculturalizing Education

Communication Styles

Intercultural Training Templates •  Culture •  Perception •  Language Use •  Cultural Stereotypes •  Nonverbal Communication •  Communication Styles

•  Value Contrasts •  Problem-Solving •  Intercultural Adaptation •  Gender Issues •  Culture Privilege •  Contexts of Power

Individual Development Requires: •  Self-motivation •  Ability and willingness to

learn and transform oneself

•  Experiential learning and reflection

•  Crucible experiences

•  Challenging cross-cultural exposure

•  Extracting and absorbing tacit knowledge

•  Extensive practice  

What Can Universities Do? o? Provide & leverage experiences:

•  Multicultural teams •  Local cultural immersions •  Study abroad & diverse

field work •  Global/diverse projects &

sabbaticals •  Mentors/coaches from

other cultures •  Intercultural virtual team projects with foreign or

regional universities & agencies •  Intercultural projects in foreign countries or with diverse

populations •  Use of behavioral assessments •  Use of pre and post assessment measures

Perspective

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“There is wisdom in turning as often as possible from the familiar to the unfamiliar: it keeps the mind nimble, it kills prejudice, and it fosters humor.” -George Santayana, philosopher, (1863-1952)