Intercultural Development Continuum

1. Intercultural DevelopmentContinuum Intercultural Communication Ann Gross

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

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

9. 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

10. Stage Two - Polarization • Focused on cultural differences, which are seen as negative or threatening • Dualistic thinking (good/bad; us vs. them) • Two 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

11. 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

12. GlobalMindsets Able to view interactions from multiple cultural perspectives

13. Stage Four -Acceptance of Difference • Recognize that all cultures are equally complex and valid • 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”

14. 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

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

16. 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)

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