Individual Cross-Cultural Interactions Model
Matthew Goode, Ph.D.
The Individual Cross-Cultural Interactions model integrates two key dimensions: cultural identity and cross-cultural approach.
Cultural Identity
To support your reflection in using this framework, begin by building awareness of your own cultural identities (e.g., ethnicity, geographic region, or socioeconomic class). You will then be better prepared to consider how others' identities might be different from, and similar to, your own (see associated questions below, and an example scenario).
Cross-Cultural Approach
Then pay attention to how you're behaving, what you're thinking, and how you're feeling during your interactions with others. You will then be better able to thoughtfully compare others' behaviors with your own, and to imagine what they might be thinking and feeling (see associated questions below, and an example scenario).
Cultural Identity
As you interact across cultures with another individual, consider these reflective questions:
Given your own cultural identities at this time, how would you describe your values?
Given the other person’s cultural identities at this time, how might they describe their values?
Cross-Cultural Approach
As you interact across cultures with another individual, consider these reflective questions:
How are you responding in this moment--behaviorally (verbal and non-verbal communication), cognitively, and emotionally?
How might they be responding in this moment--behaviorally (verbal and non-verbal communication), cognitively, and emotionally?
While one can never fully know or understand another person’s perspective, asking one’s self these reflective questions can mark a significant step toward deeper awareness. Keep in mind that each person’s relative power and authority influence the nature of the interactions between them.
Suggested citation: Goode, M. L. (2017, 2024). Individual cross-cultural interactions model. http://www.iccimodel.com/icci-model.