Characteristics of

Competent
Intercultural
Communicators
Characteristics of Competent Intercultural
Communicators
Definition:Intercultural communication competence
(ICC) is the ability to communicate effectively and
appropriately in various cultural contexts. There
are numerous components of ICC. Some key
components include motivation, self- and other
knowledge, and tolerance for uncertainty.
World Bank (2010) identifies the following
traits that define a competent intercultural
communicator.
1. flexibility and the ability to tolerate high levels of
uncertainty
2. reflectiveness or mindfulness
3. open-mindedness
4. sensitivity
5. adaptability
6. ability to engage in divergent thinking (or thinking
creatively) and systems-level thinking (or
thinking how each one in a system or organization
influences each other)
7. politeness