What is cultural competence?

Cultural competence is the ability to communicate effectively and

interact with people across cultures through positive behaviors,
attitudes and policies. The word “culture” refers to the beliefs, values
and thoughts of a racial, ethnic, religious or social group. While
“competence”, implies the ability to function effectively.

Cultural competence requires you to listen with an open mind to

understand fully someone else's perspective. It is important to be open
to the idea that someone else's idea or perspective may be better or
more effective than yours.

At a minimum, it requires that you treat every conversation as a

learning opportunity.

Culture in Cultural Competence

What does the “cultural” mean, in cultural competence? According to
M. Davis, if we examine the relationship between “cultural” and
“competence” it becomes evident that the concept of culture must be
understood as dynamic and expressive: as process.

Taking the entire formulation of “cultural competence,” we might

define it as being qualified for the task of culture, as in having
effective, appropriate and legitimate skills, experience, abilities and,
perhaps, qualities in the matter of culture.

Extending this further, we might infer that to be culturally competent

means that one has legitimacy in doing, being in, expressing,
understanding and/or interpreting culture—both one’s own culture and
that of others. This idea of “having competence” or “being competent”
in one’s own culture and different cultures also requires a view of
culture as adaptive, creative, performative and expressive.

Three main types of Cultural Competence:

• Cognitive Cultural Competence - refers to the ability to

understand, appreciate, and effectively interact with individuals from
diverse cultural backgrounds at a cognitive or intellectual level. It
involves developing the knowledge and awareness necessary to
navigate cultural differences and engage in cross-cultural interactions
in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

• Affective Cultural competence - refers to the emotional and

attitudinal aspects of an individual's ability to engage effectively with
people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves developing
positive attitudes, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect
with others in a culturally sensitive and empathetic way.

• Behavioral Cultural Competence - refers to the ability to

effectively and appropriately demonstrate specific behaviors in
interactions with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It
involves putting knowledge and attitudes into action, adapting one's
behavior to be inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the cultural
context. Behavioral cultural competence is a crucial component of a
comprehensive approach to cultural competence, complementing
cognitive and affective aspects.