Intercultural competence is a key capability of working effectively with people from different cultures. It transcends ethnocentrism and establishes effective, positive relations across cultural boundaries. The link between Diversity and Inclusion—what bridges these two concepts—is intercultural competence. It makes a diverse environment an inclusive one. Cross-cultural outcomes are achieved by developing intercultural competence to gain a better understanding of how one engages in cultural diversity.
The CCWSC is interested in the intentional integration of commonalities and cultural differences. The Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) is an exceptional individualized learning opportunity to advance intercultural development and support Colorado’s developing child welfare workforce. The IDI® is a research-based, reliable and validated assessment instrument that provides group and individualized results regarding capacity to connect and bridge across cultures. The results of the IDI® show an individual’s perceived orientation and developmental orientation on intercultural capacity. These provide a measure of where people or groups believe they are developmentally versus where they actually are developmentally. The IDI®:
- Is a reliable assessment grounded in a comprehensive, cross-culturally validated theory of intercultural competence;
- Is available in multiple languages; and,
- Provides an individualized Intercultural Development Plan to support growth.
Some child welfare scholars will be expected to participate in the IDI assessment, group and individual results sessions, the development of their Intercultural Development Plan (IDP) and ongoing opportunities to grow and expand their knowledge, understanding and comfort across cultures.