Building Cultural Awareness: A Practical Guide to the IDI Assessment
- sarahwoltersco
- Mar 5
- 5 min read
In last month’s blog, we highlighted how intercultural competence enhances workplace effectiveness. Research shows that inclusive environments boost employee engagement by 17%, leading to greater innovation and performance (Deloitte, 2018). Additionally, teams with high cultural intelligence solve complex problems 30% faster, demonstrating the tangible benefits of developing intercultural skills (Vorecol, 2025). Based on those findings, we know it’s critical to develop intercultural competence, but it may not be clear where we start as individuals or organizations. This month we are focused on one solution to drive change towards greater intercultural competence.
1. What is the IDI?
The Intercultural Development Inventory, IDI, is an assessment tool that highlights your current intercultural competence as well as outlines strategies for growth. This assessment can be applied at the individual or group level. Immanuel Kant said it well when he said,“All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason.” The way we perceive cultural differences is shaped not just by what we see, but by how we process, understand, and reason through those experiences. The IDI helps individuals and organizations move beyond initial perceptions to develop a deeper, more reasoned approach to intercultural interactions.
The inventory in literal terms is an online assessment that measures the degree in which individuals can shift their perspective and adapt behaviors based on the cultural similarities and differences they encounter. It is currently offered in 18 languages to allow for participants to take the assessment in the language most comfortable to them. As each new language is added, it goes through rigorous testing to ensure translation has not altered any aspects of the assessment. After completing the assessment, a Qualified Administrator helps participants understand their own intercultural competence as defined by the IDI.
3. What Sets the IDI Apart
While the IDI is distinct from the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) framework, it is adapted from its principles to provide a practical, research-based approach to assessing and developing intercultural competence. The IDI translates the DMIS stages into measurable insights. These measurable orientations allow for individuals to apply their understanding to real world personal and professional examples in order to deepen their understanding of where they are as an individual and where they are as a team or organization. The ability to measure both individuals and groups allows for greater application and impact for businesses utilizing this tool. The IDI is not just a diagnostic tool but a starting point for meaningful change. Beyond an assessment, a score, and an explanation of the score; the IDI goes one step further and provides a development plan based on your results to challenge you when you choose to grow your intercultural competence. This plan ensures that you are doing the right type of work to have the best odds at seeing positive change while also ensuring you have tangible work to commit to moving forward.
4. How the IDI Assessment Process Works
The IDI assessment process is designed to provide individuals and organizations with a clear understanding of their current level of intercultural competence while offering structured opportunities for growth. We believe in tailoring the process to meet the needs of each client taking into account their industry norms, objectives and current level of understanding when it comes to this competency. The typical process includes:
Administering the IDI Assessment (15-20 minutes)
Participants complete the online IDI assessment through their personalized IDI account.
The assessment measures intercultural competence and places individuals along the IDI Continuum, identifying their current mindset toward cultural differences and commonalities.
IDI Workshop (60-90 minutes)
A group session introduces the IDI Continuum and provides an overview of intercultural development.
Aggregated group results are shared, if desired, allowing teams to reflect on their collective strengths and areas for growth.
The session includes interactive discussions and self-reflection exercises to enhance understanding of intercultural competence.
1:1 Coaching Session (30-60 minutes, optional)
Individuals who schedule a coaching session will receive their personalized IDI profile report with their individual orientation and the associated plan.
The first session focuses on understanding your orientation and why it is currently serving you. Future sessions (optional) focus on goal setting and strategizing personal or professional development based on individual results.
Participants begin reviewing their Intercultural Development Plan (IDP) to actively improve their ability to navigate cultural differences ensuring they feel confident in how to use this plan as a resource to support future growth.
This is also an opportunity for continued questions or conversation that participants did not want to share in the larger group setting.
Follow-Up Opportunities (Optional)
Organizations and individuals can schedule additional sessions for ongoing support in implementing their Intercultural Development Plan.
A post-test assessment, where participants retake the assessment at a later date, can be utilized and is recommended after one year to measure growth along the IDI continuum.
For teams, additional intercultural competence training can be provided to ensure continued development.
Recommended Timeline:
The IDI assessment should be completed 1-2 weeks before the workshop.
1:1 coaching sessions are recommended within 2-4 weeks after the workshop.
Ongoing development through the IDP is encouraged monthly, whether individually or in facilitated group settings.
By following this structured approach, participants gain deeper insights into their intercultural competence and receive the tools needed to foster long-term growth.
6. Common Myths and Misunderstandings About the IDI
Despite its benefits, the IDI is sometimes misunderstood. Some of the most common myths include:
❌ “It’s just a personality test.” → No, it’s a developmental tool focused on growth, not fixed traits.
❌ “It’s only for large organizations.” → In reality, the IDI is beneficial for individuals, small teams, and entire institutions alike.
❌ “It measures how ‘woke’ someone is.” → The IDI is nonjudgmental; it assesses development and provides strategies for progress. Furthermore, it emphasizes the strength each orientation provides individuals, allowing for space for participants to appreciate where they are as what they need in this moment.
By dispelling these misconceptions, organizations can better understand how the IDI serves as a practical, growth-oriented resource.
7. Next Steps: How to Get Started with the IDI
If you’re ready to explore how the IDI can help you or your organization, here’s how to begin:
✔ Find a Qualified Administrator (QA) – Working with a certified facilitator ensures you receive expert guidance in interpreting results and applying them effectively. If you’ve found this blog, you’ve already completed this step!
✔ Prepare for the assessment – Reflect on how cultural interactions play a role in your personal or professional life.
✔ Take action – The true value of the IDI lies in applying its insights through intentional learning and growth.
In today’s interconnected world, cultural awareness isn’t just a skill — it’s a necessity. The IDI Assessment provides individuals and organizations with a clear roadmap to building stronger, more inclusive teams and communities. By understanding where we stand on the intercultural competence continuum, we can take meaningful steps toward more effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Whether you’re an educator, business leader, or community organizer, investing in intercultural development can drive greater engagement, innovation, and overall success. The first step is gaining insight and that’s where the IDI can help.
At Sarah Wolters Co., we have a Qualified Administrator ready to guide you through the IDI process, helping you interpret results and develop a personalized strategy for growth. Whether you’re looking to strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, or enhance cultural intelligence, we’re here to support your journey.
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