What is intercultural competence?
In an increasingly networked world in which collaboration and communication across cultural boundaries are becoming the norm, intercultural competence is becoming more and more important.
The ability to interact successfully with people from different cultural backgrounds is becoming increasingly important not only in the professional environment, but also in personal life. But what exactly does the term “intercultural competence” mean?
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Why is intercultural competence important?
Intercultural competence refers to the ability to act effectively and sensitively in intercultural situations, i.e. in situations where people from different cultural backgrounds come together. It is about recognising, understanding and respecting cultural differences and being able to communicate, act and react appropriately.
Intercultural competence is important for several reasons. A person with intercultural competence can act appropriately in a variety of situations, e.g. when working in a multicultural team, when working with international partners, when dealing with customers from different countries or when interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds in everyday situations.
The development of intercultural competence requires openness towards other cultures, the willingness to learn about and accept cultural differences, as well as the ability to reflect on one’s own cultural perspective and to put oneself in the shoes of others.
What is intercultural competence?
Intercultural competence means being able to “negotiate” and realise effective synergies between one’s own and foreign cultural requirements and customs.
Intercultural competence is part of personal competence and is made up of various aspects: Self-competence, social competence, professional competence and methodological competence.
Intercultural competence therefore means not only having comprehensive cultural knowledge, but also good communication, conflict resolution, reflection and empathy skills.
How can I improve my intercultural competence?
Intercultural competence development deals in detail with the four relevant areas:
- Intercultural professional competence
- Intercultural social competence
- Intercultural strategic competence
- Intercultural personal competence
Our intercultural training courses address all four areas and thus strengthen your personal competence in intercultural situations.
In addition to theoretical input on cultures, countries and intercultural communication, our intercultural training courses use group exercises and various insights into intercultural situations to give you impulses for transfer to everyday life.
Another way to develop intercultural competence is intercultural coaching. The difference between this and training is that it can be customised even more closely to personal situations and circumstances with a coach. Intercultural coaching is often booked in addition to a training programme.
Anna Weidlich
Expert for intercultural communication and cooperation (M.A.)
Anna Weidlich, founder of Interkult Training, is an experienced expert in intercultural communication and cooperation with international roots in Russia, Korea and Germany. With multilingual expertise and extensive experience abroad, she supports companies in international cooperation. She acquired her in-depth expertise through a three-year Master’s programme at Munich University of Applied Sciences.
More about our intercultural seminars
Anna Weidlich
Expert for intercultural communication and cooperation (M.A.)
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