This document discusses intercultural communication. It defines intercultural communication as communication between two or more people from different cultures. It explains that studying intercultural communication is important due to increasing globalization, diversity in workplaces, and the need for ethical business leaders. The document also discusses cultural differences in verbal and nonverbal communication. It provides steps for effective intercultural communication, such as developing cultural awareness and not stereotyping. Finally, it discusses characteristics of competent intercultural communicators and Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity.

1. INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
“…one of the world’s most significant problems: intercultural relations…”
Edward T. Hall

2. THE NATURE OF
INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION

3. DEFINITION
Intercultural communication is:
communication between or at least two
people from different cultures.

4. WHY STUDY INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION?
Increasing interaction between people due to
globalization
Increasing diversity in workplaces
Increasing need to develop caring, responsible
and ethical business leaders

5. What is ‘culture’ in
Intercultural communication?

6. DOMAINS OF CULTURAL
DIFFERENCES

7. DOMAINS: Verbal
Choice of words
Organization of messages

8. DOMAINS: Non-verbal
Body
language
Eye contact
Laughter
Touch
Tone, volume
and speed
Turn-taking and
silence

11. STEP TOWARDS
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

12. STEPS TOWARDS EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Develop a sense of cultural
awareness
Do not be ethnocentric
Listen genuinely when others speak

13. Do not lapse into your own language while
in the presence of others who do not speak
it
Take responsibility for the communication
(e.g., if miscommunication happens, it is not always the
other person’s fault)
DO NOT STEREOTYPE

16. Characteristics of Competent
Intercultural Communicators
1. flexibility and the ability to tolerate high levels of uncertainty
2. reflectiveness or mindfulness
3. open-mindedness
4. sensitivity
5. adaptability
6. ability to engage in divergent thinking (or thinking creatively)
and systems-level thinking (or thinking how each one in a
system or organization influences each other)
7. politeness

17. The Developmental Model of Intercultural
Sensitivity
The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) offers a
structure that explores how people experience cultural differences.
According to Bennett and Bennett (2004), it has six stages. These are the
following:

18. Stage 1: Denial. The individual does not recognize cultural differences.
An individual in the denial stage might be heard saying:
“All cities are the same; they all have tall buildings, fast food chains, and
coffee shops.”
Stage 2: Defense. The individual starts to recognize cultural differences
and is intimidated by them, resulting in either a superior view on own
culture or an unjustified high regard for the new one.
An individual in the defense stage might be heard saying:
“This culture does not view life the way we do; our culture is certainly
better.”
“Their ways are better than my own; I wish I were one of them.”

19. Stage 3: Minimization. Although individuals see cultural differences, they
bank more on the universality of ideas rather than on cultural differences.
An individual in the minimization stage might be heard saying:
“Once we see through the cultural differences, we really are just the
same!”
Stage 4: Acceptance. The individual begins to appreciate important
cultural differences in behaviors and eventually in values.
An individual in the acceptance stage might be heard saying:
“These people and I have different values and experiences, and I think
we can learn from one another.”

20. Stage 5: Adaptation. The individual is very open to world views
when accepting new perspectives.
An individual in the adaptation stage might be heard saying:
“To address our issue, I have to adjust my approach to consider
both my own and my counterpart’s background.”
Stage 6: Integration. Individuals start to go beyond their own
cultures and see themselves and their actions based on
multifarious cultural viewpoints.
An individual in the integration stage might be heard saying:
“I can look at things from the perspective of various cultures.”

21. CONCLUSION
Intercultural communication:
 respects people as part of a group AND as
individuals.
 is not about interaction between national cultures
only.

22. CONCLUSION
Intercultural competence:
 helps you deliver your messages clearly,
appropriately and persuasively.
 enables you, as a business leader, to contribute
to
a just and equitable world.

24. Write T before each number if the statement is true and F if the statement is false.
1. Intercultural communication occurs when there is interaction and negotiation between or
among individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
2. Intercultural communication refers only to communication that happens between or
among individuals from different nations.
3. Communication that exists between or among individuals from different ethnic, religious,
and regional backgrounds and sexual orientations is not considered as intercultural.
4. The DMIS by Bennett and Bennett (2004) can be used to understand those who do not
recognize other cultures and cannot communicate interculturally.
5. The denial stage could be interpreted as distrust towards other cultures.
6. The acceptance stage refers to recognition of cultural differences.
7. In the adaptation stage, individuals begin to integrate with other cultures.
8. Cultural sensitivity matters in intercultural communication.
9. One character trait of a competent communicator is sensitivity to nonverbal cues in other
cultures.
10. A competent communicator is a person who is effective in intercultural communication.

26. Read each statement. If it displays bias or insensitivity, write the group/element being
misrepresented (gender, social status, age, religion, culture). If not, write “OK.” Once done,
compare and discuss your answers with a partner.
1. “Each employee must wear his ID at all times.”
2. “You won’t understand if I explain; you’re too young.”
3. “Japanese people are so rigid and stoic!”
4. “Don’t buy those shades; only low-class people wear those.”
5. “Lolo, this is an iPhone. ‘i-Phone.’ It is a very complicated device, but I’ll explain it to you
simply. It is used to talk to people from other places.”
6. “All staff members have to submit their leave requests before the day ends.”
7. “My belief is the absolute truth. Other religions simply got it wrong.”
8. “Manang, let’s go, I’ll treat you. I bet you haven’t eaten sushi in your entire life.”
9. “Catholics and Protestants do have big differences, but we must respect each other’s
beliefs.”
10. “You’re the youngest person in the family, but I trust that you can handle the situation
well.”

27. Homework
Form five groups. Each group will represent a particular
country (Japan, France, China, Philippines, and Mexico).
Imagine yourselves as the ambassadors of the country
assigned to your group.
Research information, work together and come up with some
interesting data about your country.