Intercultural Competence in Mediation
With their own multifaceted and multidimensional identity human beings frequently encounter situations in which their own reality is challenged. In present times, it becomes more and more important to become aware of this multifaceted and multidimensional identity of a person, to respect it and -as it changes over time - to learn to respond to these changes.
In this kind of learning process, which facilitates the ability to interact in an effective and appropriate way in intra- and intercultural situations, amongst others, attitudes and particular capacities to act and to reflect are developed and internalized. This way intercultural competence is acquired.
What does intercultural competence mean and how useful is it in situations in which interests and needs of the involved persons or organisations are difficult to harmonise?
What other kind of competencies and abilities are required to constructively communicate with people of different cultural origins, particularly today, in the face of permanent growing demands which often lead to conflicts?
The research project “Interkulturelle Kompetenz in der Mediation” (Intercultural Competence in Mediation) analyses the hypothesis that mediation with its corresponding competencies is an appropriate method for solving conflicts which arise in the intercultural context.
In addition to numerous other successful projects at the ZAK which are concerned with internationalisation, this project is devoted to the systematic search for models and methods which allow a constructive and respectful cooperation on the scientific, economic, political and last but not least interpersonal level.
The goal of the undertaking is to analyse how mediation combined with intercultural competence can be successful, particularly in the scientific context. For instance: How can the facilitation of intercultural and mediation competencies help to perform executive functions in an efficient, constructive, innovative and creative way, particularly at the KIT, where more than 3000 foreign students and up to 600 visiting scientists are studying and working?
While contributing to the mediation research and the process of internationalisation this project also extends the scope of opportunities for all who are working at the KIT. Through the access to relevant key qualifications, scientists and staff members are provided with the opportunity to strengthen their conflict management skills in a multicultural environment in terms of mediation competencies.
Project Coordinator: Dr. Katarzyna Schubert-Panecka
E-Mail: katarzyna schubert-panecka ∂ kit edu
Tel. 0721/608-4797