Table 2 Intercultural development stages (IDI, LLC; 2017)

Denial (IDI score: < 70)

Disinterest in and avoidance of other cultures; ignores diversity

Polarization (Score: 70–85)

Judges difference from an ‘us vs. them’ perspective

Minimization (Score: 85–115)

Highlights commonalities; non-dominant group members may adopt “go along to get along” attitude

Acceptance (Score: 115–130)

Enjoys recognizing and exploring difference; embraces deeper understanding; may be challenged by perceived ethical dissonance between own cultural viewpoint and others morals or behaviors

Adaptation (Score: > 130)

Can intentionally shift frame of reference, behaviorally code-shift and focus on adaptive learning strategies