Comprehensive Model of Intercultural Competence: Theoretical Substantiation

Abstract

The paper presents theoretical substantiation and development of the authors’ comprehensive model of intercultural competence (ICC), based on the analysis and generalization of empirical models of intercultural interaction existing in Western and Russian science. The model is based on 9 constructs: intercultural stability/sustainability, intercultural flexibility, intercultural openness, intercultural interest, absence of ethnocentrism, cultural sensitivity, intercultural empathy, management of intercultural relations, and tolerance to intercultural uncertainty. Those constructs are combined into three groups of characteristics: 1) intercultural traits; 2) attitudes and mentality features; 3) intercultural skills. Basic mechanisms by which the distinguished constructs of intercultural competence contribute to intercultural efficiency are substantiated - this is maintenance of an optimal level of sensitivity to uncertainty and an optimal level of anxiety in the process of intercultural communication. The role of each component of intercultural competence is shown. Constructs “Cultural Sensitivity”, “Intercultural Empathy”, “Management of Intercultural Relations”, “Tolerance to Intercultural Uncertainty”, and “Intercultural Flexibility” make a significant contribution to maintaining the optimal level of sensitivity to uncertainty and thereby contribute to increasing effectiveness of intercultural interaction. Such components of intercultural competence as “Intercultural Empathy”, “Intercultural Interest”, “Lack of Ethnocentrism”, “Intercultural Openness”, “Tolerance to Intercultural Uncertainty”, maintain the optimal level of anxiety, which contributes to the effectiveness of intercultural communication. It is emphasized that none of the components of the ICC is a universal predictor of the success of intercultural interaction, this effect being achieved only through an integrative combination with other ICC constructs.

Urban/Rural Workplace – A Relevant Factor in Manifesting Intercultural Sensitivity

“…The questionnaire was applied online over the 1 st semester of the 2019-2020 academic year (October 2019 -February 2020) through Google Drive forms. This research is the continuation of our previous studies (Albu & Cojocariu, 2015;Boghian, 2016;Boghian, 2017;Boghian, 2018;Boghian, 2019;Cojocariu & Boghian 2019aGuţu & Boghian, 2019) and draws on similar research approaching the same topic (Bhawuk & Brislin, 1992;Turcan, 2015;Čuhlová, 2019;Mekheimer, 2019;Khuhlaev et al, 2020).…”

Resiliency and Culture: An Interdisciplinary Approach

“…In addition, therapy can be instrumental in preventing lapses, containing symptoms, and strengthening affected individuals, families, groups, and communities alike. Cross-cultural counseling is especially crucial during our times, granted that such psychotherapy is conducted with skillful awareness, practical knowledge, mutual understanding, cultural competency, and human sensitivity (Abi-Hashem, 2011b, 2014a, 2014bKhukhlaev et al, 2020;Jordan, 2017;Kim et al, 2006).…”

“…These phases and mediators are essential for an effective integration within the new environment and for a smooth navigation within the social-communal system of the hosting culture (cf. Abi-Hashem, 2011b, 2014aAbi-Hashem, Brown, 2013;Khukhlaev et al, 2020;Sam, Berry, 2006).…”

“…The creative and dynamic energy of resiliency is shaped and nurtured by the cultural variation and traditional heritage of people and, in turn, it shapes their psychosocial parameters and influences their cultural capitals and mediators. Thus, resiliency remains an unfolding and attractive topic for further consideration, investigation, and conceptualization (see also Abi-Hashem, 2011aBonanno, 2004;Khukhlaev et al, 2020;Masten, 2015;Southwick et al, 2014;Ungar, 2008;.…”

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“…В результате была сформирована теоретическая интегративная модель компетентности, которая легла в основу разработки опросника. Она состояла из девяти конструктов: Межкультурная стабильность, Межкультурная гибкость, Межкультурная открытость, Межкультурный интерес, Отсутствие этноцентризма, Культурная сензитивность, Меж куль турная эмпатия, Толерантность к межкультурной неопределенности (Khukhlaev et al, 2020). На основании данной модели были сгенерированы утверждения «Интегративного опросника межкультурной компетентности».…”