Multicultural Differences
Definitions of Cultural Competence
There is no one definition of cultural competence. Definitions of cultural competence have evolved from diverse perspectives, interests and needs and are incorporated in state legislation, Federal statutes and programs, private sector organizations and academic settings. The seminal work of Cross et al in 1989 offered a definition of cultural competence that established a solid foundation for the field. The definition has been widely adapted and modified during the past 15 years. However, the core concepts and principles espoused in this framework remain constant as they are viewed as universally applicable across multiple systems.
A number of definitions and descriptions of cultural competence were reviewed to compile the selected list. The following definitions of are highlighted because they represent or are based on original and exemplary work and because of their potential impact to the field of health and human services.
Cross et al, 1989
Cultural competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency or among professionals and enable that system, agency or those professions to work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
The word culture is used because it implies the integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values and institutions of a racial, ethnic, religious or social group. The word competence is used because it implies having the capacity to function effectively.
Five essential elements contribute to a system 's institution 's, or agency 's ability to become more culturally competent which include:
Valuing diversity
Having the capacity for cultural self-assessment
Being conscious of the dynamics inherent when cultures interact
Having institutionalized culture knowledge
Having developed adaptations to service delivery reflecting an understanding of cultural diversity
These
There is no one definition of cultural competence. Definitions of cultural competence have evolved from diverse perspectives, interests and needs and are incorporated in state legislation, Federal statutes and programs, private sector organizations and academic settings. The seminal work of Cross et al in 1989 offered a definition of cultural competence that established a solid foundation for the field. The definition has been widely adapted and modified during the past 15 years. However, the core concepts and principles espoused in this framework remain constant as they are viewed as universally applicable across multiple systems.
A number of definitions and descriptions of cultural competence were reviewed to compile the selected list. The following definitions of are highlighted because they represent or are based on original and exemplary work and because of their potential impact to the field of health and human services.
Cross et al, 1989
Cultural competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency or among professionals and enable that system, agency or those professions to work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
The word culture is used because it implies the integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values and institutions of a racial, ethnic, religious or social group. The word competence is used because it implies having the capacity to function effectively.
Five essential elements contribute to a system 's institution 's, or agency 's ability to become more culturally competent which include:
Valuing diversity
Having the capacity for cultural self-assessment
Being conscious of the dynamics inherent when cultures interact
Having institutionalized culture knowledge
Having developed adaptations to service delivery reflecting an understanding of cultural diversity
These
References: Betancourt, J., Green, A. & Carrillo, E. (2002). Cultural competence in health care: Emerging frameworks and practical approaches. The Commonwealth Fund. Cross, T., Bazron, B., Dennis, K., & Isaacs, M., (1989) Roberts, R., et al. (1990). Developing Culturally Competent Programs for Families of Children with Special Needs (monograph and workbook); Georgetown University Child Development Center. Taylor, T., et al Tervalon, M. & Murray-Garcia, J. (1998). "Cultural humility versus cultural competence: a Critical discussion in defining physician training outcomes in multicultural education." Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 9 (2) 117-125. U.S U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions, retrieved from http://www.bhpr.hrsa.gov/diversity/cultcomp.htm on April 2, 2004. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health (2001). National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care: Final Report, retrieved from http://www.omhrc.gov/clas/ on April 15, 2004. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Services, retrieved from http://www.bhpr.hrsa.gov/diversity/cultcomp.htm on April 2, 2004.