Abstract

This study uses the developmental model of intercultural sensitivity (DMIS) to assess the intercultural stages of employees of five public organizations in the Greater Montreal Area, Québec (Canada). These public organizations vary in their social role: paramedical services, fire safety services, libraries, employment centers, and police services. Discussion groups provided data for a discourse analysis from which different themes emerged. The five themes shared by all five public organizations were classified into two categories (interpersonal and organizational issues). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the categories of issues and stages of intercultural sensitivity (IS) among the groups. Overall results show a higher level of IS to interpersonal issues and differences between the groups depending on the organization.