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ST.
PAULS UNIVERSITY
NAKURU CAMPUS
UNIT CODE: COM 210
UNIT NAME: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
FACULTY OF BUSINES AND COMMUNMICATION STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUINICATION.
REG. NUMBER: BACSNKR214223
NAME: PETER KAMAU
CAT 11
INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE
Intercultural competence refers to the ability to effectively communicate and interact with people
from different cultural backgrounds. It involves understanding, appreciating and respecting
cultural differences, being able to adapt to different cultural norms and practices, and being
aware of one’s own cultural biases and assumptions.
Intercultural competence encloses a range of skills, including communication, empathy,
curiosity, flexibility and openness to learning. It also requires a willingness to be curio about and
respectful of other cultures, as well as an ability to navigate cultural differences and adapt to new
cultural contexts. It requires an awareness of one’s own cultural biases and assumptions, as well
as an ability to recognize and navigate cultural difference.
Developing intercultural competence is important in today’s globalized world, where people
from different cultures often interact in personal and professional settings. By improving
intercultural competence, individuals can build stronger relationships, improve cross-cultural
communication, and create more inclusive and collaborative environments. It is an important
skill for anyone who wants to work, study, or travel in different cultural contexts.
COMPONENTS OF INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE
Intercultural competence is a complex and multifaceted skills that involves several different
components. The components of intercultural competence can vary depending on the model
used, but some commonly recognized components include:
1. Cultural knowledge: Understanding the values, beliefs, customs and practices of
different cultures. This include knowledge of both similarities and difference between cultures.
2. Cultural awareness: Being aware of one’s own cultural biases, assumptions, and
stereotypes, as well as recognizing and respecting cultural differences. Developing cultural
awareness involves recognizing and respecting cultural differences,, including customs, values,
beliefs and practices. This can be achieved through exposure to different cultures, reading and
attending cultural events.
3. Cultural empathy: The ability to see the world from another culture’s perspective and
understanding how different experiences and values shape their worldview.
4. Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively across cultural
boundaries, using both verbal and nonverbal communication. Effective communication is key to
building relationship across cultures. It is important to learn to communicate clearly, actively
listen and use appropriate body language and tone of voice,
5. Adaptability and flexibility: The ability to adapt to new cultural environments and
situation, and to adjust one’s behavior accordingly. Being flexible and adaptable is important
when interacting with people from different cultures. This includes being open to new ideas and
ways of doing things, and being able to adjust your communication styles to better connect with
others.
6. Open-mindedness: The willingness to be open to learning and to challenge one’s own
assumptions and beliefs.
7. Respect of diversity: The belief that diversity is strength, and willingness to treat
others with respect and dignity regardless of their cultural background.
8. Emotional Intelligence: This involves recognizing and managing your own emotions
and understanding the emotions of others. This is particularly important in intercultural
interactions where cultural norms and expectations can be different.
9. Conflict Resolution: Conflict can arise when cultural differences clash. Learning
effective conflict skills can help prevent misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.
10. Training: Many organizations offer cultural competence training to help employees
develop the skills necessary to work effectively with colleagues and clients from different
cultures.
Developing these components of intercultural competence can help individuals to better
understand and navigate cross-cultural interactions and to build stronger relationships with
people from different cultural backgrounds.
CULTURAL VARIATIONS AND INTERPERSONALRELATIONSHIP IN

INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE
Cultural significant can have a significant impact on interpersonal relationships. Culture
influences our beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors, and these can differ greatly across
cultures. Some cultural variations that can affect interpersonal relationships include:
1. Communication styles: Different cultures may have different communication styles,
which can affect how people express themselves and how they interpret messages from others.
2. Social norms: Social norms can differ across cultures such as how much people
contact is acceptable or how much emphasis is placed on individualism versus collectivism.
3. Personal Space: Different cultures have different norms regarding personal space,
which can affect how comfortable people are with physical proximity.
4. Attitude towards Conflict: Some cultures may be more direct in their approach to
conflict resolution, while others may place a greater emphasis on avoiding conflict or
maintaining harmony.
5. Gender roles: Gender roles can vary across cultures, which can affect how men and
women interact with each other in interpersonal relationships.
Understanding cultural variations is important for building strong interpersonal relationships
across cultural boundaries. It involves being beware if and respecting cultural differences, and
being open to learning from others. By developing intercultural competence, individuals can
build more inclusive and collaborate relationships with people from different cultural
backgrounds.
BACIS TOOLS FOR IMPROVING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN
GLOBALIZEDD WORLD.
1. Educate yourself- Learn about different cultures, their customs, values and beliefs.
This will help you understand and appreciate cultural difference and avoid making assumptions
or stereotypes.
2. Be open-minded- Approach people from different cultures with an open mind, and be
willing to listen and learn from their perspectives. Avoid judging or criticizing them based on
your cultural biases.
3. Respect Cultural differences- Show respect for cultural differences, and avoid
imposing your own cultural norms and values on others. Recognize that what is acceptable or
appropriate in one culture may not be in another.
4. Practice Empathy- Try to put yourself in other people’s shoes and understand their
perspectives and experiences. This will help you build empathy and develop a deeper
understanding of their culture.
5. Communicate effectively- Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles,

and
adjust your own communication styles to better connect with people from different cultures.
Thus may include using simpler language, speaking more slowly, or avoiding certain idioms
slang.
6. Seek out diverse experiences- Seek out opportunities to interact with people from
different cultures, such as travel, volunteering, or participating in multicultural events. This will
help you broaden your perspective and gain a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
7. Challenge your assumptions- Be aware of own cultural biases and challenge them.
This may involve examining your own beliefs and assumptions, and seeking out new experiences
that challenge your preconceived notions.
8. Be patient and understanding- Recognize that building intercultural competence
takes time, and be patient and understanding with yourself and others as you navigate cultural
differences.

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5. Communicate effectively- Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles,

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