Intercultural sensitivity: a key factor for employees working abroad

Abstract

The present study aims to develop and validate a new instrument for international personnel selection, the Test of Intercultural Sensitivity (TIS). The study emphasises the necessity of adequate selection tools for expatriates and provides an extensive overview of existing instruments measuring overseas success. Based on these theoretical considerations, the TIS is developed as a multidimensional instrument aimed at measuring Intercultural Sensitivity. The questionnaire has scales for Flexibility, Problem-Solving, Self-Reflection, Emotional Stability, Communication, Empathy, Tolerance of Ambiguity, Openness and Willingness to Learn. This research project consisted of two studies. In the first study the reliability and validity of the inventory is examined, among a sample of 308 participants. On the basis of exploratory factor analysis, a five-factor solution is found. Internal consistencies of the scales are revealed to be high. Correlations between the five TIS factors and related instruments correspond to previous assumptions. Moreover, data supports the predictive value of the instrument, as regards the various demographic variables such as foreign languages spoken or international orientation. The second study, based on a sample of 161 participants, is mainly aimed at reconfirming the factor structure of the TIS. Here, satisfactory goodness of fit indices can be found. With respect to descriptive statistics and internal consistencies, the second study yields results similar to those of the first study. The predictive value of the TIS is further supported by involving an external criterion for Intercultural Sensitivity. Overall, the Test of Intercultural Sensitivity (TIS) has proved to be an effective tool in the area of international personnel selection.