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
Overview
• Basic Concepts of IDC theory
• Stages of Intercultural Development
• Use of the Intercultural Development
Inventory (IDI)
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.
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.
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
Five Stages of Intercultural Development
• Monocultural Stages:
1. Denial of Difference
2. Polarization
3. Minimization of Difference
• Multicultural Stages:
4. Acceptance of Difference
5. Adaptation to Difference
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.
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
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
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”
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
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.