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

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

Generalizations vs. Stereotypes Generalization 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 May move from Monocultural to Multicultural mindset Monocultural 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 – Multicultural Mindset – – Understand complex cultural differences – Flexible, non-judgemental perception based on multiple cultural perspectives

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

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

Stage Two - Polarization Focus on differences – seen as threatening Focus on differences – seen as threatening Dualistic thinking – good/bad, us/them Dualistic thinking – good/bad, us/them Two Forms: Two Forms: – Defenseagainst difference – more critical of other culture; backlash actions, exclusion – 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 – 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 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”) Accept superficial differences but assume humans are basically the same (“like me”) Commonalities defined in ethnocentric terms Commonalities defined in ethnocentric terms – Own culture’s “reality” seen as universal – May overemphasize physical/psychological or spiritual commonalities May overlook meaningful differences May overlook meaningful differences – Assume differences are individual, not cultural Can lead to institutionalized privile Can lead to institutionalized privilege

Stage Four – Acceptance Recognize all cultures as equally complex, valid Recognize all cultures as equally complex, valid Cultural knowledge used to interpret behavior from multiple perspectives; less judgemental Cultural knowledge used to interpret behavior from multiple perspectives; less judgemental Does NOT mean person likes or approves of all aspects of each culture 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 lead to “liberal paralysis” – fear of being judgmental or taking action Can “talk the talk” but not yet “walk the walk” 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 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 see things from others’ perspectives non-judgmentally Able to adapt behaviors to act in culturally appropriate ways 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.