CEDR Interview Series on the Challenges within Diversity and Inclusion – Episode 5

The CEDR Interview Series on the challenges within Diversity and
Inclusion aims to empower society to hold powerful dialogues. We
will hold discussions with a broad spectrum of people, each with
unique and powerful skillsets and experiences when it comes to
addressing issues surrounding discrimination in all forms.


In Episode 5, Francine Stock interviews Prof. Milton Bennett,
probably THE leading mind when it comes to matters intercultural.


Dr Bennett - Milton Bennett - Wikipedia -  is the founder of
The Intercultural Communication Institute (ICI), a non-profit
educational foundation that has operated in Portland, Oregon USA
since 1986.


He is probably most famous for his DMIS, The Developmental Model
of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) - DMIS Model | IDRInstitute -
which he created as a framework to explain how people experience
and engage with cultural difference. The DMIS is grounded theory;
it is based on observations he made in both academic and
corporate settings about how people become more competent
intercultural communicators. Using concepts from constructivist
psychology and communication theory, he organized these
observations into positions along a continuum of increasing
sensitivity to cultural difference.


In an impactful conversation, Milton and Francine explore
Milton’s insights on polarisation, political extremism, remote
teams, conflict resolution of intercultural disputes and how to
apply the principles of intercultural sensitivity equally to
domestic and international multicultural situations.


Most interactions at the national or country vs. country level
are lacking constructive dialogue; not enough has been done
within countries to reconcile different positions, points of view
as well as belief and political systems.


This interview series is part of CEDR’s not-for-profit Foundation
activity which undertakes cutting edge alternative dispute
resolution research and innovation as well as addressing key
issues facing wider society.


If you would like to get involved in this interview series,
either to submit a question or be part of the live audience in
future episodes, contact Frederick Way, Head of CEDR Foundation
at fway@cedr.com.