The Benefits of Cultural Competence in the Workplace

Five people from different cultural backgrounds sit together at a long wooden table in a meeting room. White desktop computers sit in front of each person, with two flags against the wall behind the table. The countries of the flags are not visible. The image represents intercultural competence in the workplace.
Discover how intercultural competence can boost productivity, profits, and foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

In today’s globalized world, cultural intelligence in the workplace isn’t just a nicety – it’s a necessity. Yet, many organizations grapple with a common problem: cultural misunderstandings, miscommunications, and diversity challenges that hinder growth and productivity.

Picture this scenario: An international team working together, but cultural differences lead to misinterpretations, conflicts, and a lack of cohesion. The result? A less productive, less profitable, and less inclusive workplace.

These issues can’t be ignored. When left unaddressed, they can erode morale, stifle innovation, and even drive talent away. In today’s interconnected world, can your organization afford to neglect intercultural competence?

The IDI: Measuring Intercultural Competence

Enter the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). With over 4,000 organizations and educational institutions leveraging its power, the IDI assesses cultural competence across individuals. It defines this competence as “the capability to shift cultural perspective and appropriately adapt behaviour to cultural differences and commonalities.”

The IDP: Your Personalized Growth Plan

After taking the IDI, individuals receive an Intercultural Development Plan (IDP). This plan gauges where an individual falls on the Intercultural Development Continuum (IDC), a six-point scale ranging from “Denial” (least competent) to “Adaptation” (most competent). But more than just a score, it’s a catalyst for growth.

Working with our IDI Qualified Administrators

One of MT Consulting Group’s qualified IDI administrators will review your results and guide you through the next steps for intercultural development. But the journey doesn’t stop there. You can choose to pursue coaching or training opportunities to further nurture your intercultural competence.

The Business Case for Intercultural Competence

The benefits are clear: workplaces that value intercultural competence and diversity are statistically more productive and profitable. They create environments that not only enhance business performance but also attract and retain diverse talent and clients. Inclusion is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities.

Unlock Your Organization’s Potential

Don’t miss out on the chance to tap into the full potential of your organization. Contact us today to schedule your team’s IDI assessments.

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