A review of the concept of intercultural awareness

Abstract

The development of a “global village” strongly demands the ability of intercultural sensitivity between people for all of us to survive in the 21st century. Due to the lack of study on the subject, this paper aims (1) to provide a conceptualization of intercultural sensitivity, (2) to specify the role intercultural sensitivity plays in intercultural training programs, (3) to delineate the components of intercultural sensitivity, and (4) to critique and suggest directions for future study in this line of research. As a result, a working definition of intercultural sensitivity is generated. The components of intercultural sensitivity examined include: (1) self-esteem, (2) self-monitoring, (3) open-mindedness, (4) empathy, (5) interaction involvement, and (6) non-judgement. In addition, the confusion among intercultural awareness, intercultural sensitivity, and intercultural competence is discussed and future directions for research in intercultural sensitivity is suggested.

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