Chapter 3: Intercultural Competences
5. Intercultural Confidence Scale
The attitude towards different cultures could take three different forms. Some people believe that their culture is dominant or better than others. Alternatively, cultures could be perceived to be a little different from one another. Yet others could believe in the cultures being different, but not necessarily inferior or superior to their own.
The Intercultural Confidence Scale is based on the Development Model of Intercultural Sensitivity, developed by Hammer, Bennett, and Wiseman’s (2003) and the intercultural sensitivity scale developed by Löhr (2010, 2012). It measures an individual’s attitudes and behavior in the context of cultural differences, when that individual meets people from other cultural groups.
It is always possible for a person to holistically perceive intercultural situations using all three perspectives. The preferred perception of a particular situation can be dynamically interpreted using any of these three perspectives based upon the context. For example, the observer’s current emotional state, experiences, and the environment in which the situation takes place can all influence how an intercultural situation is being perceived and which of the three perspectives is currently dominant.
Ethno-Centric Perspective (Belongingness to a dominant culture)
Ethnocentrism indicates that the norms of one’s own culture are central to an individual’s worldview. The norms and rules of behavior, which are predominant in one’s own culture, are the standards and benchmarks against which individuals judge other cultures.
With such a perspective, one has a strong sense of belonging with the people from one’s own culture. A strong sense of “we” and “us” is contrasted with “the others”. Consequently, an ethnocentric perspective often views own cultural values and norms as being superior to those of other cultures.
In principle, being aware of and respecting one’s own values is an exemplary quality. However, having an ethnocentric perception can also lead to people from other cultures being given far too little acceptance and appreciation. From an ethnocentric perspective, cultural differences are frequently interpreted in a manner that one’s own culture emerges as the dominant one and people from other cultures are stereotyped. This can lead to the development of prejudices against specific groups or individuals based on their differing cultural background.
Ethno-Minimalistic Perspective (Minimization of the differences between cultures)
This perspective emphasizes the similarities that people of different cultures have with one another. The perspective indicates that humans have similar values and that cultural norms have only limited influence on people.
With this perspective one tends to assess everyone equally, irrespective of cultural differences, using a single criterion, striving hard to avoid stereotyping people based on their backgrounds. As liberal-minded and cosmopolitan individuals, those with this perspective consider all cultures to be driven by similar universal values.
In many situations, this can be a very useful strategy. However, in conflicting intercultural situations, those using this perspective are in danger of ignoring critical differences between the values, norms, and behavioral reactions that could have led to the conflict. Instead, one might attribute just the personal and individual traits of the conflicting parties as the major stimulants for the escalating situation. This prevents them from looking at the differing contextual points of view that the conflicting parties hold, as they ignore the important differences between the values and norms in action.
The belief that people around the world are no different from one another does show an inclusive attitude towards those who are not from our own culture. Those with this perspective try to practice what they believe and treat people from different cultures and groups with equal respect. However, without a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural values norms, rules, and strategies driving the behavior of people from different cultural groups, such ideals are often unfulfilled and the equality and respect often are limited to a superficial level. Knowing and respecting such differences, on the other hand, can help people from different cultures feel more appreciated and welcome.
Ethno-Relative Perspective (Flexible appreciation of the different strengths of various cultures, including one’s own)
People with an ethno-relative perspective believe in the strong influence of their culture on their behavior and attitudes, but also tend to accept and respect the cultural differences between people. They interpret the values, rules, and behavior of other cultures in the context of the norms existing in those cultures and accept that such norms could differ from those in their own culture.
This flexibility in interpreting the situation relating to different cultural norms helps to view the situation from various points of view. People with this perspective are able to understand and respect the perspectives of others in order to interpret the situation. This can help to identify and understand the situation and to differentiate the individual and cultural motives behind many misunderstandings. It helps them in not only deescalating a conflict situation, but also in helping avoid many misunderstandings that could lead to such conflicts.
With an ethno-relative perspective, one is able to more objectively reflect upon the stereotypes about various cultural groups and enhance one’s understanding of and interactions with the different cultures by acting upon these reflections. Not having a fixed position about one’s own culture being superior to others or about having to ignore differences between cultures frees people with such a perspective to explore the nuances of cultural differences. This in turn helps them develop strategies for successful intercultural interactions.