Framework for Understanding Intercultural Perspective Taking in Operational Settings

Abstract : Intercultural perspective taking (IPT) has been proposed as a critical component in cross-cultural competence models. Yet, virtually no research has examined IPT in operational settings. The research reviewed the extensive literature on perspective taking and the individual, relational, and situational variables that appear to influence it. The findings from the review guided the design of tailored cognitive interview protocols and a coding scheme. Interviews were conducted with U.S. Soldiers and the transcripts were analyzed both at the fragment level and holistically. The findings were synthesized into a framework that characterizes important aspects of IPT in operational settings. The framework has six components: Activation, IPT Processes, Targets Perspective, Application, Outcomes, and Reflection. The framework can help guide future efforts to facilitate understanding of IPT across the research community and can also serve as a common reference for the development community to direct training and assessment initiatives.