First a theoretical framework for the understanding of intercultural sensitivity was developed. George Kelly's personal construct theory was applied in the definition and in the elaboration of this construct. This theory was selected after a review of various approaches in the understanding of this construct.
Based on the developed framework, an instrument was then constructed to measure intercultural sensitivity, or a person's potential to adapt successfully in cross cultural situations. This instrument, the Survey of Intercultural Constructs (SIC), is intended as a research tool to be used with people undergoing cross cultural training. It is general rather than culture specific, and is applicable in a wide variety of cultural situations, and with different types of people.
The SIC is based on the notion that intercultural behavior can be explained in part by differences in personalities or construction systems. Personal construct theory states that people look at others through constructs they create or choose, and then test against reality. A construct is a way in which at least two things are similar and contrast with a third. To analyze people's cognitive processes, information is needed about the content and structure of their construction systems. The SIC elicits the constructs a person applies to people of the same and of other cultures.
A preliminary version of the SIC was developed and tried out on 50 people. The data obtained was used primarily to improve the draft instrument. A few preliminary validity studies were also conducted with it.
The preliminary version of the SIC was reviewed by an expert in the field of tests and measurements. His comments, together with comments obtained from the tryout sample, were used in the development of the second version. A review of the second version by 13 experts in the area of cross cultural training led to the development of the final version of the instrument. No validity or reliability studies were conducted with the final version. Therefore validity and reliability studies on it are needed, and recommendations to that effect are made.
