Abstract
Developing a cultural competency committee is one alternative in the search for compliance. Recent federal, state, and local laws mandate that multicultural considerations be taken into account in virtually every aspect of public life. This paper discusses how, in the case of behavioral health organizations and agencies, which deal with the most intimate problems of people from many cultures and tradition, not to mention with many different languages as their native tongues, t is paramount to understand all the facets of multiculturalism so that, if the agency decides that instituting a cultural competency committee is the proper course, it will also attend to the proper issues. It looks at one issue that has recently been raised: whether cultural competency and all its ramifications is, in fact, a new twist on racism. Nonetheless, it is clear that behavioral health organizations do deal with many cultures, and approaches must be found to do so in ways that are not discriminatory in intent or in fact.

Introduction and Statement of the Problem
Legacy of Error
Ethnic Composition of U.S. Society
Origins of Multi-Cultural Counseling/Cultural Competency
Review of the Literature
Methodology
Cultural Competency Questionnaire
References
Appendix A

From the Paper
"There is almost no area of human life that has not been touched in the past fifty years by the specter of discrimination. Although it would seem amazing to some, the fields of psychology, counseling and behavioral therapies have not gone untouched by racism. Indeed, covert and overt racist behavior and thinking was endemic to the American Psychological Association (APA), the academy and mental health organizations during that period. (Morris & Robinson, 2000, p. 239) It is not surprising then that now, in a more enlightened period, those same institutions would seek to rectify this attitude and behavior. One means of doing that is training and managing for "cultural competency". This cultural competency, while needed in general, is assumed also to influence the effectiveness of counseling when it must be done in a multicultural setting. (Morris & Robinson, 2000, p. 239)"

Tags:racism, discrimination

Abstract
This research paper discusses the dynamic of cultural competency for the school social work student. It particularly explores the factors of awareness (e.g., attitudes), perceptions and practices that empower cultural competency for the school social work student. The paper also investigates whether cultural competency by the instructor offers insight into the dynamic of how race and ethnicity may impact the student and instructor working alliance.

Table of Contents:
Chapter One -- Introduction
Hypothesis and Research Statement
Defining Cultural Competence
Cultural Competency
Cultural Competence Practice and Training: Overview
Strategy and Practice
Moving Towards Cultural Competence
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
Attitudes
Skills
Knowledge
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Chapter Two -- Review of the Literature
Theoretical Framework
Research Hypothesis
Research Questions
Terms and Definitions
Chapter Three - Research Design and Statistical Procedures
Research Participants
Instruments
Chapter Four - Findings

From the Paper
"This is, naturally, a concern because it slows down the process that the client is involved in when it comes to discussing the problems that he or she is facing and working to solve them. Without the client being honest about his or her thoughts and feelings, the social worker can have trouble determining how to best help the client and what strategies might work in the future. Social workers must take care that they interact with the client but do not do so to the extent that their beliefs and opinions become something that the client senses too strongly and therefore chooses to react to. The goal is for the client to discuss his or her problems and issues in a way that is non-judgmental and does not make the client feel as though he or she has to agree with everything that the social worker says."

Tags:attitudes, perception, knowledge, ethnicity

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of the development and application of cultural competency in the health care industry. It specifically discusses the nurses role in cultural competency as the nurse tends to work most directly with patients and their families. The paper also discusses the standards of cultural competency and the steps required to ensure the success of cultural competency in the health care industry.

From the Paper
"Nursing care is a very personal type of care and any given nurse interacting with any given culturally divergent patient might have difficulty navigating the impact of suggestions for nursing interventions and or medical care provision. Without the demand for services associated with linguistics the nurse may never find out that the individual is reluctant to follow orders as they are incompatible with cultural beliefs. Therefore an impasse is created, where the nurse feels the individual is simply non-compliant and the patient thinks the nurse is strange and demanding. (Heuberger, Gerber & Anderson, 1999, p. 107) A simple cultural and or linguistic intervention might solve the problem in a matter of moments. If there is no such communication intervention available the nurse and patient are left feeling as if they have no ability to do their work effectively, the patient to heal the nurse to facilitate healing. Though family is exceedingly important in this issue the facility must also be able to stand on its own through providing services and offerings that help the patient and the nursing staff communicates effectively to elicit safety and greater health. Nurse can serve as a key to demonstrative change as advocates for existing patients and as role models for application and development of cultural competencies."

Tags:belief, diversity, multicultural, compliance

Abstract
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."

Tags:diversity set sensitive style, training programs.

Abstract
This paper explains that the management of employee competency is more critical in the current environment of mergers, acquisitions and downsizing because competent employees are an effective resource. The author points out that any need for a disciplinary action of an employee is a failure of the way in which HR hires and utilizes their employees because incompetence is expensive. The paper relates that to analyze this incompetence the HR managers must evaluate (1) the explanation and enforcement of the rules, (2) the issue of employee diversity, (3) the criteria and methods of employee selection and (4) the disciplinary action itself.

From the Paper
"Our first assumption is that global unemployment which "now has reached its highest level since the great depression of the 1930s" gives us a greater pool of potential employees and that we can thus be more selective. Our task in hiring the "right" employees is to eliminate their skepticism and their fear of being downsized. "The new computer-based technologies promise a replacement of the human mind itself, substituting thinking machines for human beings across the entire gamut of economic activities." In other words, the people who seek jobs in the company come prepared for the worst: being hired and then first to be let go in some sort of downsizing."

Tags:downsizing, resource, disciplinary, rules, diversity

Abstract
The paper relates that Wilson has been at the institution for a period of 3 months and has a previous history of medications positively affecting his condition. The paper explains that it would be beneficial to know whether or not the patient has been on a regular schedule of medications and what those medications have been. Furthermore, the paper discusses how Wilson is currently on medication, and so the patient must be evaluated to determine if those medications are indeed effective, or whether the patient will require further medication therapy to improve his mental competence.

From the Paper
"Wilson has been at the institution for a period of 3 months and has a previous history of medications positively affecting his condition. Therefore, it would be beneficial to know whether or not the patient has been on a regular schedule of medications and what those medications have been. Furthermore, if Wilson is currently on medication, the patient must be evaluated to determine if those medications are indeed effective, or whether the patient will require further medication therapy to improve his mental competence. Records of the cognitive and behavioral history of Wilson since he has..."

Tags:competency, stand, trial

Abstract
The paper discusses how global society has taught practitioners and nursing professionals that diversity within the population must be addressed and the only manner of accomplishing this is through a focus on cultural competence. The paper argues that in the 21st century, it is imperative that nurses be culturally competent, because within each culture there are differing views of appropriate medical treatment, religious beliefs that impact care and cultural philosophies.

From the Paper
"The practice of health care was once focused specifically on medicine and healing. Nursing consisted of caring, as well as the scientific measures needed to accomplish providing care. However, as time has elapsed the global society has taught practitioners and nursing professionals that diversity within the population must be addressed and the only manner of accomplishing this is through a focus on cultural competence. In the 21st century it is imperative that nurses be culturally competent because within each culture there are differing views of appropriate medical treatment, religious beliefs that impact care and cultural philosophies."

Tags:nursing, culture, competence

Abstract
This work compares and contrasts the similarities and differences in precisely how different types of managers perform their major functions and analyzes the impacts of management on informational, interpersonal, and decisional roles. This work evaluates the life cycles of the organization and its influence on management practices, as well as assesses the interdependence of departments in an organization and its impact on the management effectiveness. The importance of building internal partnerships is described as well as assessing the influence of power and influences of ethical behavior in an organization. Finally, Part One of this work appraises emerging trends in society and business that influence management practices. Part II of this work is the creation of a personal development plan that analyzes strengths and weaknesses related to proposed grid and further makes identification of concrete action steps that can be taken to build competencies.

From the Paper
"The skills and competencies that are demanded of the 21st Century manager are varied and diverse in nature. Skills with people and technology is a necessity for a manager in the 21st century world that is rapidly changing particularly in relation to technological advances. Efficiency as well as effectiveness are vital in the role of management within an organization. Efficiency is having performed a task or project in a streamlined manner with all the loose ends tied up neatly whereas effectiveness is the measurement of the success of the task or project demonstrated through success in projected and targeted outcomes."

Tags:management, organization

From the Paper
"The history of the doctrine of competency to stand trial arose in English common law out of a concern for fairness in the trial of accused persons who, if found guilty of criminal charges, would suffer deprivations of liberty and other penalties. One of the earliest United States Supreme Court cases (Dusky v. United States,1960) determined that a defendant's competency to stand trial depended on "whether he has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding" and "whether he has a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him"."

Tags:law, competency, New, York, Supreme, Court

Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a patient named Wilson, looking at whether he is competent to stand trial. The paper presents the details of the case and analyzes Wilson's physical and mental state. The paper then focuses on whether Wilson would be considered competent to stand trial in his current condition. It discusses his cognitive and behavioral functions and how these will also be impacted by Wilson's mild retardation throughout his life.

Table of Contents:
Case History
Competency To Stand Trial

From the Paper
"Given the information that has been provided to date regarding Wilson and his interactions with other medical personnel, it would appear that he is capable of standing trial at this time. This is indicated by his knowledge of his previous behavior and his admitting to the fact that he had previously failed to take his medications, using this as an explanation for his violent behavior. Wilson was capable of discussing these elements of his life with logic and reasoning, which would lead an evaluator to conclude that Wilson was no longer hindered by his mental illness.
However, it must be noted that Wilson will always have the ability to stop taking his medications and of progressing in his paranoid schizophrenia because there is no cure for the illness ("Paranoid", n.d., sec. 1). The use of medications "such as Thorazine, Haldol, and Risperdal" may alleviate Wilson's symptoms and allow him to continue to function normally. Yet, as time progresses there can also be changes in Wilson's cognitive and behavioral functions, which will also be impacted by Wilson's mild retardation throughout his life."

Tags:cognition, mental, retardation, behavior