Intercultural effectiveness refers to the ability to successfully engage with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Based on the definition provided by Chen (2007), intercultural effectiveness is specifically defined as the capability of individuals to sustain an interaction by demonstrating communication skills rooted in a continuous concern for the interests and orientations of others during the interaction.
Understanding Intercultural Effectiveness
At its core, this definition highlights that being interculturally effective isn't just about knowing cultural facts, but about how you interact and the underlying attitude you bring to that interaction.
Key Components (Chen, 2007)
According to Chen (2007), the ability to be interculturally effective hinges on several key elements:
- Ability to Sustain Interaction: This means having the skills to keep a conversation or exchange going smoothly and productively, even when cultural differences are present. It involves managing potential misunderstandings and navigating different communication styles.
- Display of Communication Skills: Intercultural effectiveness is demonstrated through observable communication behaviors. These are the practical skills used to engage with others.
- Continuous Concern for Others' Interests and Orientations: This is a crucial attitudinal component. It means actively paying attention to and caring about what is important to the other person(s), their perspectives, values, and ways of thinking, throughout the entire interaction.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Sustain Interaction | Keeping the exchange going effectively despite cultural differences. |
| Communication Skills | Observable behaviors used to interact. |
| Continuous Concern | Ongoing awareness and consideration of others' interests and orientations. |
Practical Insights
Applying this definition means that someone who is interculturally effective might:
- Actively listen to understand the other person's perspective, even if it differs from their own.
- Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding, rather than making assumptions.
- Adjust their communication style (e.g., speed, directness, non-verbal cues) based on the perceived preferences or norms of the other person, out of concern for their comfort and understanding.
- Show empathy and respect for different viewpoints or ways of doing things.
- Prioritize building rapport and understanding over simply conveying information or winning an argument.
Essentially, it's about skillful, mindful communication driven by a genuine consideration for the other person's cultural context and individual perspective.
Reference:
Chen, G.-M. (2007). Intercultural communication competence. International Encyclopedia of Communication.
