Cultural Competency

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that cultural competence refers to one's ability to understand, interact and respond to individuals with different world views or cultures. The author points out that it differs from cultural awareness or sensitivity in that it is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes and policies, which come together in a system, agency or among professionals and enables them to work effectively in cross-cultural situations The paper stresses that cultural competency includes being sensitive to individuals of different races, ethnicities, ages, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic status, among others. The author underscores that cultural competency is reflected in the professional's attitude and communication style. The paper suggests several steps to develop personal cultural competency.

From the Paper:

"Right now, there are many things I can do to promote my own cultural awareness and sensitivity. Of course, I can (and have) take course work in sociology, culture, and communication. However, traditional coursework can only provide factual and historical knowledge, which is why it is important to take courses with an experiential focus where one must interact with others and then reflect upon and self-assess their experiences. Another thing I can do is participate in social activities with a diverse array of individuals."

Sample of Sources Used:

• AOA. (2001). Achieving cultural competence: A guidebook for providers of services to older americans and their families. Washington, DC: Department of Health and Human Services.
• Brannon, C. (2007). Cultural competency: Values,traditions and effective practice. Retreived June 22, 2007 from http://www.rd411.com/ce_modules/CUC06.pdfs.
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2003). Issues & ethics in the health professions. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
• Cross T., Bazron, B., Dennis, K., & Isaacs, M. (1989). Towards a Culturally Competent System of Care, Volume I. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Child Development Center, CASSP Technical Assistance Center. Retrieved June 24, 2007 from http://cecp.air.org/cultural/default.htm.
• Lavizzo-Mourey R. (1996). Cultural competence: essential measurements of quality for managed care organizations. Annals of Internal Medicine, 124, 919-921.

More papers on Cultural Competency:

• Research Paper # 53537 : "Cultural Competency Committee"
• Research Paper # 107037 : "Cultural Competency and Social Work Students"
• Term Paper # 115394 : "Cultural Competency the Nursing Role"

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