Intercultural Communication Competence

In chapter 3 of Intercultural Competence, the authors give the reader a few tools that may be useful in improving intercultural competence. The tools are known as the BASICs of Intercultural Competence. BASIC stands for the Behavioral Assessment Scale for Intercultural Competence.  The BASIC scale was developed by Jolene Koester and Margaret Olebe as a way to examine people’s communication behaviors, in order to provide suggestions as to how to improve their interactions with others. The dimensions of the BASIC scale include: Display of Respect, Orientation to Knowledge, Empathy, Interaction Management, Task Role Behavior, Relational Role Behavior, Tolerance for Ambiguity, and Interaction Posture.

Display of Respect: The ability to show respect and positive regard for another person.

The idea of respect is extremely important in society. From my experiences, when you are able to a show a person respect, the interactions with them are usually positive. When there is a lack of respect and feeling of entitlement on either side, communication is easily broken down. There have been instances where I felt as if I should be respect just as much as the person I’m talking to, but they felt otherwise based on discrimination factors such as age and race.

Orientation to Knowledge: The term people use to explain themselves and the world around them.

The key to effectively communicating in regards to orientation to knowledge is to say what you mean. When interculturally communicating, one must remember that every does not speak the same way that you do. It is best to be straight forward and say exactly what is meant to avoid confusion.

Empathy: The capacity to behave as though you understand the world as others do

Empathy is important because it keep your lines of communication open to others. If you are perceived to understand where someone is coming from, communication will be more fluid

Interaction Management: Skill regarding conversation

Interaction management is very important in conversation. You should be able to speak in an engaging manor and know when to end a conversation based on verbal and nonverbal messages

Task Role Behavior: Behaviors that involve the initiation of ideas related to group problem-solving activities

The importance of task role behavior is that, as a society, we are forced to interact with one another, usually in a group setting. Being in a group setting, one must be able to get across their ideas and gain information without alienating their other group members. It is most effective to understand the work dynamic and practice active listening to determine what method will work best for the group to finish a task

Rational Role Behavior: Behaviors Associated with interpersonal harmony and mediation

Rational Role behavior incorporates empathy on a group level. You should be able to support your group members, dissolve conflict, and be able to compromise. All groups may not get along, but effective communication will help progress the group toward its goals.

Tolerance for Ambiguity: The ability to react to new and ambiguous situations with little discomfort.

Life is unexpected. To be able to handle what is thrown at you is a true sign of strength. The best way to react is in a calm manner, ready to adapt to the new challenges rather than become hostile, withdrawn, or sarcastic. The implications of mishandling ambiguity can cloud a situation and disrupt the nature of others

Interaction Posture: The ability to respond to others in descriptive, nonevaluative, and nonjudgmental ways

Responding to others in a nonevaluative and nonjudgemental way is another way to open the lines of communication. People will be able to feel more comfortable interacting with you when you don’t demonize them for having different attitudes, beliefs, and values than you do.