Intercultural competence, comprised of specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes, is broadly defined as effective and appropriate behavior and communication across human differences. Scholarly work on this construct dates back over 60 years and initially referred to ways in which humans interact across national cultural differences. In recent years, difference has been more broadly defined to include a wide range of human difference including generational, religious, socioeconomic, and gender differences, with culture related more to socially accepted expectations within a group of people. This entry discusses the construct of intercultural competence, how it is developed and measured, and its importance in higher education. It concludes with a look at potential areas for future research on intercultural competence.

Over 30 different terms are used to refer to the ...