Why the IDI
The Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) a theory-based, developmental psychometric instrument grounded in a comprehensive, cross-culturally validated theory of intercultural competence – the Intercultural Development Continuum.
A Theory-Based Assessment
The IDI is a psychometric instrument based on the Intercultural Development Continuum (IDC). As an assessment tool, the IDI measures an individual's or group's progression along a developmental path of increasing complexity in making sense of and responding to cultural differences. The IDI measures both one’s mindset and skillset which allows individuals and groups to better understand successes and challenges related to their intercultural interactions.
Developmental
The IDI is a developmental assessment of intercultural competence which empowers individuals and groups to increase their effectiveness in how they engage cultural differences. This focus on development can be used to facilitate cooperative conversations and actions directed toward growth rather than judgment and resistance.
Provides Practical, In-Depth Information
The IDI provides in-depth insights on individuals’ and group’s levels of intercultural competence. This is accomplished through customized IDI Individual Profile Reports and IDI Group Profile Reports, which present valid quantitative and qualitative information about how individuals and groups engage cultural difference in their day-to-day interactions with others.
Results are Actionable
The IDI provides quantitative and qualitative data to support and guide developmentally appropriate actions for individuals and groups. IDI Group Profile results can be used to inform and shape the focus of developmental opportunities for teams, departments, and organizations. For individuals, a customized self-directed Intercultural Development Plan (IDP) guides them through a series of developmentally appropriate activities and self-reflections to increase their intercultural capability.
Uses a Culture-General Approach
The IDI is descriptive of mindsets toward making sense of and responding to cultural differences both generally and within particular cultural or group contexts. This means that, regardless of the individual’s or group’s cultural background, the IDI assesses how cultural differences are thought of and navigated. Because of this, the IDI can be used with all individuals and groups, regardless of their cultural background.
Has Wide Application
The IDI can be used to provide feedback and developmentally appropriate recommendations for both individuals and groups. It can also be used for baseline assessments and organizational development, or as a pre-post assessment in program evaluation. The IDI is also used in various research applications.
Is a Valid Measure of Intercultural Competence
This means the IDI a well-designed assessment tool that has been rigorously tested and proven to be valid, reliable, and applicable across different cultures and contexts. It can effectively measure an individual's or group's intercultural competence regardless of their cultural background or setting. In other words, the IDI is a trustworthy and consistent way to evaluate how well someone can navigate and engage with diverse cultures in a way that is meaningful and effective.
How the IDI is Used
The IDI is used across a range of industries and organizations for a variety of applications. The IDI can only be administered, and results can only be accessed and shared by a licensed IDI Qualified Administrator (QA). The IDI is taken at the individual level, and from those results both Individual and Group Profile Reports can be generated. An Individual Profile Report details an Individual’s results, and a Group Profile Report provides a snapshot of where a group is currently on the IDC.
A Debrief with a QA is required in order to share and understand IDI results. In a Group Debrief, a QA can only share group results (Group Profile Report). Individual results (Individual Profile Report) may only be shared in a confidential 1:1 Individual Debrief with a QA. Group Debriefs take from 1-3 hours; Individual Debriefs should be a minimum of 30 minutes but are typically 45-60 minutes.
IDI results are used in two informative ways: to help an individual or group (a team, committee, department, bureau, etc.) understand what is contributing to their successes and challenges in areas of difference, and what actions they can take to build capacity to more effectively navigate those differences. Groups also have insight into what kind of developmental activities should focus – if they so choose.
Due to available resources, IDI projects may be implemented in phases; for example, certain groups or teams may be invited to complete the IDI first, followed by other teams. Resources may also be allocated further by having individuals opt in to attend an Individual Debrief to receive their Individual Profile Report and Intercultural Development Plan (IDP).
Mitchell R. Hammer, PhD
Founder of Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®)
Case Studies
Interested in learning more about the ways the IDI has been used in various settings? Explore our case studies which showcase the results that have been achieved through implementation of the IDI in educational institutions, non-profit organizations, corporations, and government agencies.
Where the IDI is Used
Akron Public Schools
American Alliance of Museums
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
Bush Foundation
Dollar General
Duke University
NASA
Penn State University
Purdue University
Southern Company
The YMCA
United States Naval Academy
Learn More about IDI® Products and Services
We provide training and support for our clients to build intercultural competence within educational institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations, and other organizations through implementation of the Intercultural Development Inventory®.