Interpersonal Communication Inventory

Abstract

The Interpersonal Communication Inventory (ICI), developed by Millard J. Bienvenu in 1971, is a widely recognized self-report instrument designed to measure an individual’s perceived competence and effectiveness across various dimensions of Interpersonal Communication. The original instrument consists of 40 items that assess crucial aspects of communicative behavior, including expressive clarity, listening skills, management of conflict and anger, self-disclosure, and sensitivity to others’ feelings. The ICI is frequently employed in educational and therapeutic settings to diagnose specific communication weaknesses and strengths, thereby guiding the development of targeted communication skill training programs.

Keywords

Communication skills, Interpersonal Communication, Communication competence, Conflict resolution, Self-disclosure, Listening skills, Psychological inventory.

Authors

Millard J. Bienvenu, Sr.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Interpersonal Communication Inventory is to provide a comprehensive, standardized method for individuals to assess their own habits and effectiveness in typical social and professional interactions. By focusing on observable behaviors and internal attitudes related to dialogue, the ICI helps respondents gain insight into how their communicative style impacts their relationships.

The inventory is particularly useful in identifying specific communication deficits, such as difficulties in expressing dissenting opinions, reluctance to accept constructive criticism, or a tendency toward poor listening. The resulting scores are often used as a benchmark for personal development or as a pre-test/post-test measure in communication training interventions.

Construct

The ICI primarily measures the construct of Interpersonal Communication Competence. This complex construct is broken down into several measurable sub-components, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of effective human interaction. The items target both the sending and receiving of messages, as well as the emotional processes underlying communication.

The specific dimensions of communication competence assessed by the ICI include:

• Expressive Clarity: The ability to articulate thoughts and feelings clearly and accurately (e.g., “Do your words come out the way you would like them to in conversation?”).
• Active Listening: Paying attention, seeking clarification when needed, and listening for underlying meaning.
• Conflict Management: The ability to discuss problems and settle differences without resorting to anger, pouting, or avoidance.
• Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Awareness of others’ feelings and the ability to understand their point of view.
• Openness and Trust: Willingness to confide in others and maintain a general sense of trust in individuals.

Validity

While definitive, detailed psychometric data requires consulting the original 1971 publication, the ICI demonstrates strong Content Validity, as its items directly reflect common behaviors and skills recognized within communication theory as essential for effective interpersonal functioning. Subsequent research, particularly adaptations used in vocational and organizational contexts (Samuelson, 1983; Oliver, 1993), implicitly supports the scale’s Construct Validity by demonstrating its ability to differentiate individuals based on communication performance in professional settings.

Reliability

As a psychological instrument, the ICI is expected to possess acceptable levels of reliability, particularly Internal Consistency. Although specific coefficients (e.g., Cronbach’s Alpha) are not provided in the source excerpt, instruments measuring a singular, broad construct like communication competence typically aim for an Alpha coefficient above 0.70. The repetitive nature of the questions across different contexts (e.g., listening habits, conflict style) suggests the items consistently measure the intended underlying trait. Researchers employing the adapted ICI in the 1980s and 1990s generally confirmed the instrument’s stability and consistency for use in their respective studies.

Factor Analysis

Based on the item structure, the 40 items of the ICI likely yield several distinct, yet correlated, factors that contribute to the overall communication competence score. A typical factor analysis of such an instrument would likely identify clusters corresponding to the key constructs measured. These latent factors often include:

1. Verbal Expressiveness and Feedback Seeking.
2. Emotional Control and Conflict Avoidance (reverse-scored items related to anger and pouting).
3. Perceptual Accuracy and Listening Engagement.
4. Self-Awareness and Openness (including awareness of tone of voice and concealing faults).

The adaptations by Oliver (1993) and Samuelson (1983) suggest that researchers have continued to explore and validate the underlying factor structure relevant to specific populations, ensuring the instrument remains psychometrically sound for specialized research.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report Psychological Scale / Communication Skills Inventory

Format: 40 questions requiring self-assessment. Responses are typically chosen from a limited set of frequency or agreement options: Yes (usually), No (seldom), or Sometimes. Items are scored on a weighted scale (0, 1, 2, or 3 points) depending on whether the answer reflects a positive or negative communication behavior, with higher total scores indicating higher communication competence.

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: General population, students, and organizational personnel (managers, executives).

Age Group: Adolescents and Adults

Population Details: While applicable to the general adult population, the ICI has been frequently used in academic and organizational settings, particularly in studies examining leadership, management success, and career development.

Test Methodology: The test is administered via a questionnaire format, requiring the respondent to reflect on their typical behavior during conversations and interpersonal conflicts.

Keywords

Communication competence, Bienvenu, 1971, Organizational psychology, Conflict management, Nonverbal cues, Self-assessment.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not available.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not available.

Correspondence Address: Refer to the original publication details for Millard J. Bienvenu, Sr.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Test Year: 1971 (Original Publication)

Permissions and Fee: Permissions for commercial use or distribution should be sought from the copyright holder (the author’s estate or the publisher of the Journal of Communication). The instrument is often utilized freely for non-commercial academic research. The original PDF can be downloaded here: http://www.csus.edu/indiv/s/stonerm/coms5-ipcskillinventory1.pdf

Reference’s

• Bienvenu, Millard J., Sr.(1971). An Interpersonal Communication Inventory. Journal of Communication, 21(4), 381-388.
• Bienvenu, M. J. (1976). A aide for use with the interpersonal communication inventorv [Brochure]. Natchitoches, LA: Northwest Publications.
• Samuelson, J. L. (1983). The relationship between sex and the interpersonal communication skills of midlevel managers in California community colleges (Doctoral dissertation, University of San Francisco, 1983). Dissertation Abstracts International, -45(0 4), 1 OO8A.
• Oliver, B. (1993). The relationship between female ex‎ecutives’ interpersonal communication skills and their ability to crack the glass ceiling (Doctoral dissertation, University of San Francisco. 1993). Dissertation Abstracts International, 54(04),1458A.
• Graham, Jennifer Lyn. (1998). An Analysis of Sport Managers’ Interpersonal Communication Skills in se‎lected Ontario Amateur Sport Organizations. University of Windsor. M.A. Thesis.

Items of the Interpersonal Communication Inventory

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

1. Do your words come out the way you would like them to in conversation?

2. When you are asked a question that is not clear‚ do you ask the person to explain what he means?

3. When you are trying to explain something‚ do other persons have a tendency to put words in your mouth?

4. Do you merely assume the other person knows what you are trying to say without your explaining what you really mean?

5. Do you ever ask the other person to tell you how he feels about the point you may be trying to make?

6. Is it difficult for you to talk with other people?

7. In conversation‚ do you talk about things which are of interest to both you and the other person?

8. Do you find it difficult to express your ideas when they differ from those around you?

9. In conversation‚ do you try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes?

10. In conversation‚ do you have a tendency to do more talking than the other person?

11. Are you aware of how your tone of voice may affect others?

12. Do you refrain from saying something that you know will Only hurt others or make matters worse?

13. Is it difficult to accept constructive criticisrn from others?

14. When someone has hurt your feelings; do you discuss this with him?

15. Do you later apologize to someone whose feelings you may have hurt?

16. Does it upset you a great deal when someone disagrees with you?

17. Do you find it difficult to think clearly when you are angry with someone?

18. Do you fail to disagree with others because you are afraid they will get angry?

19. When a problem arises between you and another person‚ can you discuss it without getting angry?

20. Are you satisfied with the way you settle your differences with others?

21. Do you pout and sulk for a long time when someone upsets you?

22. Do you become very uneasy when someone pays you a compliment?

23. Generally are you able to trust other individuals?

24. Do you find it difficult to compliment and praise others?

25. Do you deliberately try to conceal your faults from others?

26. Do you help others to understand you by saying how you think‚ feel and believe?

27. Is it difficult for you to confide in people?

28. Do‚ you have a tendency to change the subject when your feelings enter into a discussion?

29. In conversation‚ do you let the other person finish talking before reacting to what he says?

30. Do you find yourself not paying attention while in conversation with others?

31. Do you ever try to listen for meaning when someone is talking?’

32. Do others seem to be listening when you are talking?

33. In a discussion is it difficult for you to see things from the other person’s point of view?’

34. Do you pretend you are listening to others when actually you are not?

35. In conversation‚ can you tell the difference between what a person is saying and what he may be feeling?

36. While speaking are you aware of how others are reacting to what you are saying?

37. Do you feel that other people wish you were a different kind of person?

38. Do other people understand your feelings?

39. Do others remark that you always seem to think you are right?

40. Do you admit that you are wrong when you know that you are wrong about something?