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
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