There’s a diversity of facets to diversity training. But in our increasingly global and mobile world, one of the most important is cultural competence. More than ever before, people are likely to work daily with people from other cultures. But workplace cultural competence can be one of the most challenging skills to learn. Lack of cultural skills can lead to harmful microaggressions at work. That’s because you’re dealing with thousands of cultures that have developed over thousands of years, with infinite shades of gray within them.
There are many components to diversity training. But in our increasingly global and mobile world, one of the most important is cultural competence. More than ever before, people are likely to work daily with people from cultures different from their own.
However, cultural competence can be one of the most challenging skills to learn. Lack cultural skills can lead to harmful microaggressions at work. That’s because you’re dealing with thousands of cultures that have developed over thousands of years, with infinite shades of gray within them.
Seven Essential Key Points to Understanding Workplace Cultural Competence
Beliefs & Perspective
People have fundamentally different ways of seeing the world and their role in it. In the West, people tend to believe they’re in charge of their own fate. However, most other cultures are more fatalistic: either it’s meant to be – or not – which has a significant impact on multicultural teams.
Communication Styles
It’s no surprise that people have wildly different ways of communicating, especially regarding context and directness. In North America, people tend to say exactly what they mean. But in most other cultures, people are more indirect, which can seem confusing or even misleading.
Formality
Cultures differ greatly in greetings, manners, and etiquette. In the United States, people tend to be casual, both in dress and behavior. However, in most other cultures, formality is more valued and is an essential sign of respect.
Hierarchy
Cultures differ in whether their societies are horizontal or vertical. In the West, people are generally seen as equals. However, in Asian, Latin, and Middle Eastern cultures, there is much more emphasis on hierarchy and top-down leadership.
Perceptions of Time
In addition to diverse religious and cultural events, people differ greatly in their perceptions of time. Americans tend to be short-term and fixed: deadlines are deadlines. In most other cultures, people tend to think more long-term, which means that dates and deadlines are more flexible.
Values and Priorities
In North America, there is greater emphasis on the individual and less loyalty between employer and employee. But in Asian and Latin cultures, there is greater emphasis on the group and long-term business and work relationships.
Everyone’s Unique
Finally, it’s important to remember that cultural guidelines are only that – guidelines. Every person is as unique as their own singular fingerprints, and it’s important recognize their individuality. We all need different skills to do our jobs effectively. And today, as our world becomes ever more interconnected, cultural competence is an essential skill for almost every workplace.
How to Incorporate Workplace Cultural Competence
Cultural competency training helps you to improve not only the knowledge, but also the understanding of different members of your team. By taking the time to master cultural competence, you can ensure your team works at its best all the time and each member feels understood, valued, and accepted.
FAQs
What are some cultural competencies in the workplace?
A culturally competent company knows how to communicate well, schedule inclusively and learn about their team from different backgrounds.
What are the four skills that are most important in a workplace to be culturally competent?
Cultural competence requires self-awareness, which reflects on your own position in culture and awareness of those around you. This allows you to interact respectfully and genuinely with those around you.
What is a cultural competence example?
One example of cultural competence is when a traveler uses some local language to show respect to local culture.
How do I describe my cultural competence?
This means being aware of your own cultural beliefs and values and how they may differ from other cultures, which allows you to learn about and respect those around you better.