| Intercultural theorists and researchers have extensively studied the domain of intercultural training. There is a wide range of suggestions in the field of intercultural training on contents, methods, processes and evaluations. However, little has been studied about the characteristics of the intercultural trainer from the perspective of the trainer. The purpose of this study is to learn about the experiences and perspectives of trainers around issues related to intercultural training.;Eight participants, all intercultural trainers who were either self-employed or salaried, were given a non-standardized interview. The questions revolved around the trainers' perspectives on (a) the methods, contents and processes of intercultural training; (b) the trainees' learning about intercultural issues; and (c) the trainers' self-profile. An emergent research design was used which included tape recording and transcribing each interview. The qualitative approach to the data analysis exposed themes and categories which deepened the understanding of the characteristics of intercultural training, trainees and trainers as seen by the trainer. This understanding uncovered information on the thinking process of the intercultural trainer. Beside a description on the context of training and trainees, the qualitative data analysis revealed the perception trainers have of themselves, their views of the functioning of an interactive group dynamic and of trainees who facilitate or deteriorate the envisioned change processes and goal achievements. The grounded theory approach identified the emergence of a democratic personality and training style of the trainer. Although this study's conclusions cannot be generalized to incorporate all trainers, they do have some implications for them and for intercultural training. They point to the fact that trainers do not apply their intercultural training within a culture-free context, but from the perspective of Western culture. The findings of this study lead to further investigations about the nature of "interculturalism". |
