ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q4-2025

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Figure 2: Cultural understanding can positively contribute to rapport-building and information gathering in interviews

DEMONSTRATIONS OF CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

RAPPORT IMPACT

INFORMATION YIELD

POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS

Adapt communication styles to mirror an interviewee’s cultural background

Recognition of communication differences

Enhances initial rapport-building

Facilitates more relevant questioning

Incorporate cultural knowledge into interview planning and execution

Encourages more open and detailed responses

Awareness of cultural norms and values

Builds trust and respect

Reduces perceived threat and increases comfort

May lead to more voluntary information sharing

Use procedurally fair practices and explain processes clearly

Understanding power dynam ics

Approach sensitive topics with cultural awareness and respect

Helps overcome barriers to rapport

May uncover previously with held information

Recognition of cultural mis trust or trauma

Strengthens interpersonal connection

Increases willingness to share sensitive information

Practice active listening and demonstrate genuine interest

Empathy across cultural lines

Sources: Beune, Giebels, & Taylor; Baker-Eck, Bull, & Walsh, 2020; Beune, 2009; Giebels, & Sanders, 2009; Chenier et al., 2022; Goodman-Delahunty & Howes, 2016; Goodman-Delahunty, O’Brien, & Gumbert, 2014; Kim, Allison, & Christiansen, 2020

ing throughout an interview may help when delving into more granular details later on. This tactic may not be ideal when work ing with someone from an individualistic culture, as they may respond more favorably when given the opportunity to discuss opinions or achievements. (For more research-based implications and applications, see Figures 1, 2.) Furthermore, politeness theory and face-saving theory (Brown & Levinson, 1987; Ting-Toomey, 1985) highlight that many cultures stress the importance of ‘saving face’ and avoid ing direct confrontation, which can impact how individuals may respond to situations and questions. CULTURAL COMPETENCE AS A TOOL IN INTERVIEWS & INVESTIGATIONS Rapport is demonstratively the backbone of investigative interviews. Strong understandings of cultural norms enable law enforcement officers to create more comfortable environments that promote information disclosure. A lack or misapplication of cultural awareness could result in miscommunication, resis tance, and reduced disclosure. In many cultures, aspects such as indirect communication, hierarchical deference, and unique conceptualizations of truthfulness shape the way individuals may respond to questioning. Without cultural competence, law enforcement officers may misinterpret behaviors, inadvertently violate preferred social norms, or fail to establish strong rapport, ultimately hindering the full potential of investigations.

Complementing Hall’s theory is Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, which provides a framework for understand ing how cultural values influence a wide range of behaviors and attitudes across different societies. The model encompasses six unique dimensions: Power Distance, Individualism vs Collectiv ism, Masculinity vs Femininity, Uncertainty Avoidance, Long-Term Orientation, and Indulgence vs Restraint. • Individualism versus Collectivism: How much people look out for themselves or others • Uncertainty Avoidance: How little or much one avoids the unknown • Power Distance: How willing people are to accept an unequal distribution of power • Masculinity verses Femininity: The degree of distinctness between the sexes • Long- versus Short-Term Orientation: Favoring of traditional or modern values • Indulgence versus Restraint: How much people enjoy life or wait for long-term benefits Each element provides insights into how people view them selves, others, and experiences, which in turn can shape com munication. For instance, with regards to the individualism/col lectivism dimension, collectivistic societies tend to favor indirect communications that promote group wellness and cohesiveness, while individualistic cultures prefer direct communications that emphasize personal opinions and achievements (Dhital, 2023).

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As such, if an investigator was working with an individual from a collectivistic culture, focusing on relationship build

22 FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2025