Intercultural Development Continuum IDC adapted by Mitchell R

Intercultural Development Continuum IDC adapted by Mitchell R. Hammer, Ph. D. from the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity by MJ Bennett, Ph. D. SPCOM 126 – Intercultural Communication Presented by Ann Gross Fall 2015

Overview • Basic Concepts of IDC theory • Stages of Intercultural Development • Use of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)

Basic Concepts of IDC Theory • People go through predictable stages in approaches to intercultural interactions. • Change in focus on similarities vs. cultural differences and in attitudes toward cultural differences.

Generalizations vs. Stereotypes • Generalization – Statement of probability based on systematically collected data. Tendency of the group as a whole. • Stereotype – Applying generalization to each member of the group, or generalizing from only a few group members.

General Development on IDC • May move from Monocultural to Multicultural mindset • Monocultural Mindset – – Own culture seems more real; view other cultures through lens of own culture – Less understanding of other cultures, so rely on broad stereotypes • Multicultural Mindset – – Understand complex cultural differences – Flexible, non-judgemental perception based on multiple cultural perspectives

Five Stages of Intercultural Development • Monocultural Stages: 1. Denial of Difference 2. Polarization 3. Minimization of Difference • Multicultural Stages: 4. Acceptance of Difference 5. Adaptation to Difference

Stage One – Denial of Difference • Have not interacted in depth with other cultures • May avoid interaction or not be interested • Overly simplistic views of other cultures; stereotypes • Seem accepting (“live and let live”), but may have tendency to dehumanize outsiders.

Stage Two - Polarization • • • Focus on differences – seen as threatening Dualistic thinking – good/bad, us/them Two Forms: – Defense against difference – more critical of other culture; backlash actions, exclusion – Reversal – more critical of own culture, less critical of other cultures; self-consciously avoid acting like stereotypes • Can lead to selective perception – notice those who fit stereotypes

Stage Three - Minimization • Accept superficial differences but assume humans are basically the same (“like me”) • Commonalities defined in ethnocentric terms – Own culture’s “reality” seen as universal – May overemphasize physical/psychological or spiritual commonalities • May overlook meaningful differences – Assume differences are individual, not cultural • Can lead to institutionalized privilege privile

Stage Four – Acceptance • Recognize all cultures as equally complex, valid • Cultural knowledge used to interpret behavior from multiple perspectives; less judgemental • Does NOT mean person likes or approves of all aspects of each culture • Can lead to “liberal paralysis” – fear of being judgmental or taking action • Can “talk the talk” but not yet “walk the walk”

Stage Five - Adaptation • Have mindset and skillset needed for effective intercultural communication – mental flexibility, cultural knowledge base • Able to see things from others’ perspectives non-judgmentally • Able to adapt behaviors to act in culturally appropriate ways

Intercultural Development Inventory • Valid, reliable, self-assessment tool • Accurately identifies orientation toward cultural differences identified in IDC theory • People move on continuum – IDI is a “snapshot” of person at that time • No right or wrong place to be – used to identify individualized training approaches to develop intercultural communication skills.