Intercultural Competence in Technical Communication: A Working Definition and Review of Assessment Methods

Abstract

The field of technical communication has made notable progress in researching and teaching intercultural issues. Not enough discussion, however, is available on assessing students' intercultural competence. This article attempts to start this discussion and invite further research. It suggests a working definition to conceptualize intercultural competence and draws upon diverse disciplines to review different assessment methods, including their strengths, drawbacks, and potential applications in technical communication classes. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.