| There is an identifiable need to include a strategy in leadership development programs for developing intercultural communication competence in those who are leaders or potential leaders. Today's leader must be competent in intercultural communication skills because an organization's success, profit and growth depend increasingly on the management of a diverse work force. This study describes the levels of Intercultural Awareness and Intercultural Sensitivity of executives, managers, trainers, and non-managers from five industries (space, computer, oil, retailing, and fast foods) in the Houston Metropolitan Area regarding intercultural communication competence and its importance to effective leadership.;The research determines whether (a) employees at different levels of an organization have varying degrees of Intercultural Awareness and Sensitivity, (b) employees in different industries have varying degrees of Intercultural Awareness and Sensitivity, (c) varying degrees of Intercultural Awareness and Sensitivity affect one's perceived importance of intercultural communication to leadership development, and (d) other factors such as gender, education, age, heritage, or living outside the U.S. affect levels of Intercultural Awareness and Sensitivity.;Findings were that there are significant differences in Awareness among employees at different levels of an organization, but no significant differences in Intercultural Sensitivity. There were no significant differences in Awareness or Intercultural Sensitivity among employees in different industries. There was a significant correlation between Awareness, but not Intercultural Sensitivity, and the perceived Value of Intercultural Communication Training.;There was significant difference in Awareness in males and females but not in Intercultural Sensitivity. Education was not related to either Awareness or Intercultural Sensitivity. Age had a significant relationship with both Awareness and Intercultural Sensitivity. There were insufficient data to determine correlations of Nationality with Awareness and Intercultural Sensitivity, however, data showed a significant difference for both Awareness and Intercultural Sensitivity, in relationship to Ethnicity. Only Awareness was significantly different with respect to the period of time a person lived outside the U.S. The reason for travel outside the U.S. was significantly related to both Awareness and Intercultural Sensitivity. |
