The debate on the concept of Intercultural Competence became a wide field of interest in recent years which could be especially seen on the discourse in the German-speaking world (Cf. Bolton, 2006; Rathje 2007). Furthermore, it gained importance in society due to the development towards an intercultural society in Germany and the question for integration (Cf. Seifert 2012). Business sector and governments are therefore in search for Intercultural Competence in order to counter these issues (ibid.).
Table of Contents
1. The Development of an Intercultural Competence Construct
2. A Counter Approach and the Definition of Culture
3. The Classical Approach as Specific Scope
4. The Cohesion-Based Approach as Answer
5. The Right Balance
Objectives & Topics
This essay explores whether the concept of cohesion offers a viable alternative or supplement to the traditional coherence-based approach in defining intercultural competence. It critically examines the tension between general-scope and specific-scope definitions of culture, aiming to reconcile these perspectives to better inform intercultural training and interaction models.
- The evolution of the intercultural competence construct.
- Coherence-based vs. cohesion-based definitions of culture.
- The role of multi-collectivism in individual cultural formation.
- Strategies for balancing general and specific scopes in intercultural encounters.
Excerpt from the Book
THE CLASSICAL APPROACH AS SPECIFIC SCOPE
The coherence-based definition of culture gives a raw outline on the discourse on the definition of culture in recent decades. In sight of the construct of Intercultural Competence, culture is defined as differently coherent collectives, therefore an exclusive system. This makes it facile to summarize cultural differences by organizing them into different niches and giving them a catalogue of explications, such as the Iceberg or the Onion-model (Cf. Hofstede 2011). These models help to understand enclosed culture in general and determine specific rules for interaction in an intercultural encounter between two differing cultures or collectives. However, these models used in a macro perspective can also be seen as description of an individual culture and therefore give only raw insight on a national culture, which could differ in its elements.
Moreover, the classical approach of coherence led to the reduction of culture itself, for example in educational literature, by stereotyping the national cultures. Even when stereotypes support a person to prepare for an intercultural encounter, the stereotype can be misleading due to the overstatement of stereotypes into a list of rules and habits that have to be adapted even if the counterpart differs from the own collectively seen culture.
This issue in the definition of culture, and furthermore, the concept of Intercultural Competence is met by the cohesion-based approach.
Summary of Chapters
The Development of an Intercultural Competence Construct: Provides an overview of traditional dimensional models of intercultural communication and the shift toward interaction-based frameworks.
A Counter Approach and the Definition of Culture: Introduces the cohesion-based approach as a multi-collectivistic alternative that challenges the standard intercultural framework.
The Classical Approach as Specific Scope: Analyzes the limitations of coherence-based definitions and the risks of stereotyping inherent in traditional cultural models.
The Cohesion-Based Approach as Answer: Explains how multi-collectivism allows individuals to adapt across various groups, providing a more flexible, general-scope approach to competence.
The Right Balance: Argues for a synthesized approach that integrates both general and specific perspectives to foster a truly holistic understanding of intercultural competence.
Keywords
Intercultural Competence, Cohesion-based approach, Coherence-based approach, Multi-collectivism, Cultural Intelligence, Intercultural Communication, Macro-perspective, Micro-perspective, Cultural identity, Stereotyping, Interaction model, Holistic model, Specific scope, General scope, Social integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research investigates the theoretical foundations of intercultural competence, specifically evaluating whether a cohesion-based approach can address the shortcomings of traditional coherence-based models.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central themes include the definition of culture, the distinction between general and specific scopes in intercultural encounters, and the move from static national cultural models to dynamic, multi-collectivistic ones.
What is the main objective of this study?
The primary goal is to determine if the cohesion-based model offers a more effective framework for intercultural training and to suggest a balanced, holistic perspective on cultural definition.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The work utilizes a theoretical discourse analysis, comparing existing literature and frameworks—such as the Iceberg or Onion models—to evaluate the validity of different approaches to cultural definitions.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the history of construct development, the critique of classical coherence models, the implementation of cohesion-based approaches, and the necessity of balancing both perspectives for effective interaction.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Intercultural Competence, Cohesion-based approach, Coherence-based approach, Multi-collectivism, and Holistic model.
How does the author define the 'cohesion-based' approach?
It is defined as a multi-collectivistic view where an individual participates in various collectives, enabling them to form a radical individual culture based on shared habits rather than just national belonging.
Why are traditional 'coherence-based' models considered problematic by the author?
The author argues that they tend to reduce culture to enclosed, static systems, which often leads to the oversimplification and stereotyping of individuals in intercultural encounters.
Is a single, unified model for intercultural competence currently available?
No, the author concludes that a truly holistic, scientifically falsified theory is still missing and calls for further research that integrates both macro and micro perspectives on culture.
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- Micha Schlittenhardt (Autor:in), 2012, Intercultural competence: general or specific?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/268140
