DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCY
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There are a few misconceptions about diversity and cultural competency. People believe that because there is too many cultures in the world there is not a possibility to know what is needed from all of them. Cultural competence involves understanding and appropriately responding to the unique combination of cultural variables—including ability, age, beliefs, ethnicity, experience, gender, gender identity, linguistic background, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
Cultural competency does not imply that individuals need to know specific details, instead it has to do with the process to become culturally competent. The process require for a person to accept and reject the current beliefs about a their culture. Also, focusing on understanding information provided by the native people can help develop respect for that culture. Next, refraining from labeling a person with cultural names is also part of the process (ncd.gov).
Another misconception is when a person do not know if a special training is needed to become culturally competent. Every person has different levels of how they deal with sensitivity and awareness of their own culture, however, everyone views diversity differently. This means that everyone can use their own perceptions to analyze cultural misinformation, they can make their own minds and strive for cultural competence individually.
Among this Myths and Misconceptions there are behaviors and action that can help a person improve their knowledge and ability to understand why there is a need to have cultural competency. For instance, when traveling to European countries like Austria, they are very cultured, reserved and formal when they greet each other physical closeness like touching, hugging, and kissing is not as common as other latin american countries. This projects there are many different ways how people can communicate effectively if they know the etiquette needed for certain cultures, this can also help with the interaction with people from different cultures. Insults can definitely be avoided.
Why Cultural Competence?
Diversity is reality. We are all connected through the increasing globalization of communication. Changes around the world affects people everywhere. With the increase of diversity and interconnected problems, working together is the best strategy for accomplishing ones goals. Social and economic change are approaching up to speed now-days, many organizations are starting to understand why cultural competence is needed.
The Benefits of building cultural competence are:
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Increases respect and mutual understanding among those involved.
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Increases creativity in problem-solving through new perspectives, ideas, and strategies.
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Decreases unwanted surprises that might slow progress.
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Increases participation and involvement of other cultural groups.
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Increases trust and cooperation.
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Helps overcome fear of mistakes, competition, or conflict. For instance, by understanding and accepting many cultures, everyone is more likely to feel more comfortable in general and less likely to feel the urge to look over their shoulders to be sure they are being "appropriate" in majority terms.
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Promotes inclusion and equality.
(ctb.ku.edu)
MISCONCEPTIONS