Intercultural Communication Competence
Intercultural communication is competent when it accomplishes the objectives in a manner that is appropriate to the context and relationship. Intercultural communication thus needs to bridge the dichotomy between appropriateness and effectiveness:
- Appropriateness. Valued rules, norms, and expectations of the relationship are not violated significantly.
- Effectiveness. Valued goals or rewards (relative to costs and alternatives) are accomplished.
Various publications list necessary competencies for intercultural communication. Twelve affective, behavioural and cognitive competencies have been identified:
- Self-awareness. Is conscious about one’s self (the way one looks) and about one’s reputation elsewhere.
- Appropriateness. Has knowledge of the socially appropriate communicative behaviour.
- Self-confidence. Holds a realistic and positive confidence in own judgements, abilities and powers.
- Effectiveness. Is able to bring about an effect.
- Motivation for success. Has a strong orientation towards pragmatism and useful action.
- Changing perspectives. Tries to understand actions and reactions of others from their point of view.
- Empathy. Shows interest in others and shares emotions.
- Open-mindedness. Is open towards new ideas and experiences; functions effectively with people of other world views.
- Communication ability. Fully appreciates what others are saying and thinks consequentially prior to answering.
- Tolerance. Is free from bigotry and prejudice, accepts and advocates diversity.
- Sensitivity. Is sensitive to the importance of differences and to the point of view of other people.
- Flexibility. Having a type of mental elasticity allowing to be part of and yet apart from another milieu.
A targeted development of these key competencies in intercultural communication requires a thorough appraisal to identify individual strengths and weaknesses. Diagnostic frameworks like the ICCA™ (Intercultural Communication and Collaboration Appraisal) study subjective viewpoints and focus awareness on certain behaviours and attitudes.
Read more about this topic: Intercultural Communication
Famous quotes containing the word competence:
“Mothers seem to be in subtle competition with teachers. There is always an underlying fear that teachers will do a better job than they have done with their child.... But mostly mothers feel that their areas of competence are very much similar to those of the teacher. In fact they feel they know their child better than anyone else and that the teacher doesn’t possess any special field of authority or expertise.”
—Sara Lawrence Lightfoot (20th century)