Examining Chen and Starosta's Model of Intercultural Sensitivity in the Taiwanese Cultural Context

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to empirically examine Chen and Starosta’s Model of Intercultural Sensitivity and reproduce a valid scale in the Taiwanese cultural context, using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results indicated that Chen and Starosta’s five-factor model of intercultural sensitivity (IS) did not fit the Taiwanese cultural context. Instead, a four-factor model of IS was created using an exploratory factor analysis. The four factors were based on the 13 items of 24-item Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) formulated by Chen and Starosta. The reliability coefficient was .801, demonstrating high internal consistency. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed again to determine the construct validity of the alternative model of IS. Since cultural differences may influence the factor structure of a test, using both EFA and CFA can methodologically provide a meaningful explanation for replication studies. This study proposes an alternative model of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale that is a better fit with Taiwanese culture by reinterpreting Chen and Starosta’s ISS.