1. 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
Spring 2016

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. General Development on IDC
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

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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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”

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

12. 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.