Intercultural Sensitivity Among Undergraduate University Students in Ethiopia

Abstract

Nowadays with the globalization of economy, increasing social mobility, rapid development of technology and the emergence of cultural diversity, intercultural human contact at both individual and organizational levels become increasing. The wide-ranged expansion of human contacts on the one hand and the cultural diversity on the other hand calls for people’s sensitivity to cultural diversity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status intercultural sensitivity and related factors among university students in Ethiopia. To attain the objective of the study cross sectional research design was employed. A total of 771 participants (484 males and 287 females) were sampled from four government universities. The adapted measuring scale was Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (Chen & Starosta, 2000). The combinations of multistage cluster sampling, stratified simple random sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were employed to select the sample participants. The data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistical Measures (Mean, SD, Quartile & Percentile Scores), Frequency percentage, Chi-square, independent-t test and one-way ANOVA. The findings of the study revealed that the target group university students were labelled at higher level of intercultural sensitivity status. Furthermore, the findings revealed significant mean difference on intercultural sensitivity due to sex, place grown up and different batches of university students. However, there was no significant difference on intercultural sensitivity score between mono and mixed ethnic background participants. Finally, implications and recommendations were forwarded.

Keywords: Intercultural Sensitivity, Cultural Diversity, Status, University Students

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-13-04

Publication date:July 31^st 2020