INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE: CONCEPTS, STRUCTURE, PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article deals with the issues of intercultural competence: concepts, structure, principles and methods of development. It reveals the definition of the concept of intercultural communication and reviews international approaches to defining multicultural competence and its components in modern pedagogy. The intercultural communication competence is considered as the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in various cultural contexts that has numerous components that include motivation, self- and other knowledge, and tolerance for uncertainty. It is noted that effective intercultural communication is essential to preventing and resolving conflict, building networks, and creating a satisfactory work environment for everyone involved. The aim of the article is to clarify the factors influencing the level of mastering these skills. Also there was distinguished the categories of culture needed to be taken into account while conducting intercultural communication and practicing these skills, namely: context, individualism, formality, communication style, and time orientation. The author tries to find the answer to the question how can workplace intercultural competence be improved, enabling individuals and organizations to overcome intercultural communication barriers and achieve their goals within this global virtual space. There was provided some communication tactics and tips to promote effective communication in a culturally diverse environment: to keep an open mind; to have at least some knowledge of people’s cultural backgrounds; to practice active listening; to watch your nonverbal communication; to maintain a personal touch, etc. Intercultural communication requires an understanding that different cultures have different values, beliefs, behaviors, customs, attitudes, social mores, and thought patterns, thus, good intercultural communication skills require a willingness to accept differences these and adapt to them.

Key words: intercultural communication; intercultural communication competence; multicultural environment; categories of culture.