Validation of intercultural sensitivity three-factor model in Malaysian context

Abstract

A plethora of studies have indicated the importance of intercultural sensitivity (IS) in today’s highly interconnected, global world. Despite that, in Malaysian context, very limited reliable instruments are available to measure intercultural sensitivity. A study using Malaysian dataset by Tamam (2010) found a three-factor model of the Chen and Starosta’s five-factor model of Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS); however, the model was exploratory and has yet to be validated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to further validate the intercultural sensitivity three-factor model within Malaysian collectivistic and multicultural context. Using survey as a means of data collection, 1000 undergraduate students at three higher education institutions completed self-administered questionnaires. The three-factor model found earlier was subject to Confirmatory Factor Analysis using Analysis of Moments Structures (Amos) software. The results showed that the intercultural sensitivity three-factor model showed a good fit thus indicating that the three-factor model is a viable alternative to the original model. In conclusion, the three-factor model is a valid and reliable instrument to measure intercultural sensitivity within Malaysian collectivistic and multicultural context.