Intercultural Development Continuum Intercultural Communication Ann Gross Intercultural

Intercultural Development Continuum Intercultural Communication Ann Gross

Intercultural Development Continuum � Grounded theory (evidence based), used to explain predictable stages people go through, based on their intercultural experiences � Based on The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS), created by Dr. Milton Bennett, Co-Director of the Intercultural Communication Institute, Portland Oregon

Basic Concepts � Predicts intercultural communication competence – ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of contexts � Requires culturally sensitive knowledge, a motivated mindset and skill set � Person focuses appropriately on cultural commonalities and cultural differences � Development follows predictable stages

Generalizations vs. Stereotypes ◦ Cultural Generalization – statement of probability based on systematically collected data; tendency of a majority of cultural group members ◦ Stereotype – application of a cultural generalization to every member in a cultural group, or generalizing from only a few group members

Commonalities vs. Differences � In intercultural interactions, need to find some balance between the two � At different stages on IDC, person tends to focus more on one or the other � Attitudes toward cultural differences also change through the stages

IDC – Moving From a Monocultural Mindset to an Intercultural Mindset �Monocultural Mindset – ◦ Use own cultural values and practices to make sense of other culture’s differences and similarities ◦ Rely on broad stereotypes ◦ Less complex understanding of other cultures

�Intercultural/Global Mindset – ◦ Make sense of differences and similarities using one’s own and other cultures’ values and practices. ◦ Use cultural generalizations to help understand complex differences and commonalities.

Monocultural Mindsets Other cultures viewed through lens of one’s own culture

Stage One Denial of Difference � When people have not interacted in depth with other cultures; may avoid interaction � Overly simple views of other cultures; stereotypes � Seem accepting, but have a tendency to dehumanize outsiders

Stage Two - Polarization � Focused on cultural differences, which are seen as negative or threatening � Dualistic � Two thinking (good/bad; us vs. them) Forms: ◦ Defense – Uncritical of own culture, more critical of other; exclusion of others; backlash actions ◦ Reversal – Overly critical of own culture, uncritical of other cultures

Stage Three Minimization of Difference � Highlight cultural commonalities and universal values and principles, but may overlook cultural differences � Accept superficial cultural differences, but think all humans are basically the same (“Like me”) � Tendency to define commonality in ethnocentric terms (own culture seen as everyone’s reality) � Can lead to acceptance of institutionalized privilege

Global Mindsets Able to view interactions from multiple cultural perspectives

Stage Four Acceptance of Difference � Recognize and valid that all cultures are equally complex � Beginning of ability to interpret behavior, values, perceptions etc. within a cultural context � Acceptance does not mean that one likes or approves of all aspects of each culture � Can lead to “liberal paralysis” – fear of being judgmental or taking action � Able to “Talk the talk, ” but not yet “Walk the walk”

Stage Five Adaptation to Difference � Development of a flexible mindset and skillset needed for intercultural communication competence � Ability to see things from others’ points of view (empathy), and � Ability to adapt behaviors to act in culturally appropriate ways

Dr. Milton Bennett and Dr. Mitch Hammer’s Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)

Intercultural Development Inventory � Reliable and valid cross-cultural self-assessment instrument for individual feedback related to the Intercultural Development Continuum � Used as a tool to target most appropriate intercultural communication training for person � Developed and validated by Dr. Milton Bennett and Dr. Mitchell Hammer (Professor of Intercultural Communication, The American University, Washington, DC)

What the IDI Measures – • • • Denial Polarization (Defense/Reversal) Minimization Acceptance Adaptation Cultural Disengagement (sense of not belonging to a culture)