Overview of the PICO profiler

Learning to live or work successfully with people from other cultural backgrounds requires dealing with the demands for change and adaptation found in any new social environment. Individuals react differently to these intercultural demands. Understanding our personal reaction to the demands of our social and cultural environment ? as well as the reactions of the people around us - can help intercultural learners identify strategies to improve communication and interpersonal relationships. PICO is profiling instrument designed to help accomplish this.

What is "intercultural learning"?

In familiar environments, we often communicate and form relationships automatically, relying on knowledge and skills developed over our lifetime. Environments that we are less familiar with make adaptive demands of us. These demands may be obvious (learning a new subway system), subtle (learning different cultural values or communication styles) or require years of practice (becoming fluent in a foreign language). The process of facing these demands is intercultural learning.

How do people differ as intercultural learners?

Individual intercultural learners vary in at least three ways:

1. The emotional capacity for intercultural adaptation (e.g. emotion regulation, openness, flexibility and critical thinking) differs according to the individual. These capacities can be tested using psychometric instruments such as ICAPS.
2. The overall level of intercultural sensitivity differs. People who have successfully managed intercultural learning develop a heightened ability to shift cultural frames of reference. This intercultural sensitivity can be measured using the IDI (IE Browser recommended).
3. The strategies that we use when facing adaptive challenges differs. When on vacation, for example, one traveler may plan an itinerary in great detail, while another simply may wander out of the hotel to explore at random. Differing strategies can be successful, but individuals often have preferences for one intercultural learning style over another. This helps lead to greater self-understanding, increased flexibility, reduced stress, and improved intercultural communication. PICO helps sojourners identify their preferred learning style.

What does PICO measure?

The PICO Profile measures an individual´s orientation towards two important factors related to intercultural learning:

1. Change vs. predictability relates to how intercultural learners react to changes in our external environment. An orientation towards change involves a "jump right in" or "trial and error" approach to intercultural learning. The underlying logic of this orientation is that seeking out new experiences directly helps us learn about and deal with uncertainty. An orientation towards predictability, on the other hand, involves a "look before you leap" or "step-by-step" approach to intercultural learning. The logic of this orientation is that knowing where we stand and learning about our new environment helps prepare us face the demands of intercultural learning.
2. Inner-referenced vs. outer referenced refers to how intercultural learners react to the internal (psychological) demands of an environment which may call into question our established identity and view of the world. Inner-referenced thinking implies clear internal values and standards. Knowing oneself is the starting point for intercultural learning. Outer-referenced thinking, on the other hand, implies a recognition of the need to take into account the values and standards of others. Knowing others is the starting point for intercultural learning.

The PICO learning orientations

By identifying orientations towards change vs. stability, and inner vs. outer referenced thinking, PICO identifies four broad learning orientations towards intercultural environments. These four orientations are not absolute, since everyone takes advantage of different strategies at different times. They do, however, show us general tendencies which can make our intercultural learning easier to understand, and help us gain greater flexibility in our response to intercultural challenges

PICO orientations   Proactive orientation The proactive orientation involves seeking out change, and depending on personal values and world view to relate to others and get things done. This can lead learners to be adventurous, passionate and inspired. When this orientation is not tempered with sufficient reflection, however, it can lead to behavior which may be seen as unrealistic, critical or overbearing. Protective orientation The protective orientation involves a commitment to personal ideals and a careful approach to dealing with a new environment. This can lead learners to be loyal to important principles and prudent in the face of uncertainty. When this orientation is not tempered by sufficient flexibility, however, it can lead to behavior that may be seen as stubborn, inflexible or fearful. Attentive orientation The attentive orientation involves paying close attention to one´s new environment and a careful approach to unfamiliar environments. This can lead learners to attentiveness and conscientious deliberation of different options. When this orientation is not tempered with sufficient assertiveness, however, it can lead to behavior that may be seen as detached, passive or isolated. Adaptive orientation The adaptive orientation involves seeking out change and paying close attention to one´s new surroundings. This orientation can lead learners to be curious, flexible and diplomatic. When this orientation is not tempered with sufficient purpose or decisiveness, however, it can lead to behavior that may be seen as insincere, indecisive or unstable.

What kind of results does PICO give?

PICO produces a PICO profile which maps an individual´s intercultural learning orientation. It can also be used to generate a report on PICO results with an in-depth analysis of learning strategies. This can be used for increased self-understanding, as well as in intercultural training and coaching. PICO is recommended for pre-departure and post-arrival training. It is also recommended for those working in intercultural environments as a way of understanding the intercultural styles of colleagues and customers.

Is PICO proven scientifically?

PICO is not a scientific "test" and doesn´t try to make predictions about intercultural success. It is a learning tool which helps sojourners come to a better understanding of themselves and the intercultural orientations of others. The current version of PICO is a beta version under development and does not claim construct validity. To help us improve the construct validity of PICO´s test items, please take the PICO validation survey.

How can I learn more?

To read a peer-reviewed article from an academic journal on the creation of PICO, click below.