Cultural Competency
Source:
U. S. Department of Justice
Community Relations Service
African American Cultures
Loyalty, trust, and kinship
z Communication style is expressive
z Pride & Dignity
z Strong link with extended family/children
z Strong church influence
z RESPECT
z
White/Anglo Cultures
z Individualism
and personal
achievement
z Competition
z Primarily nuclear family
z Social relationships are informal
z Privacy/space
z RESPECT
Hispanic/Latino Cultures
z Family
& Religion
z Pride in heritage
z Higher value placed on interaction
with others
z Communication is expressive
z Honor, dignity and RESPECT
Native American Cultures
zIndividual
zHome
Clan – Tribe
zFamily roles
zCustoms
zReligion
zChildren
zEducation
zRESPECT
Asian Cultures
z Cooperation/
z Patience
Sharing
z Harmony
z Conversation
z Politeness
z Formality
z Indirectness
z Family
Honor
z RESPECT
Arab, Muslim and Sikh Cultures
z Individual-
Village
z Family roles are well defined
z Gender roles are well defined
z Customs are steeped in religion
z Children important
z RESPECT
Top Ten Cross – Cultural Tips
z 10.
Diversity has many levels and
complexities.
z 9. Be willing to admit what you don’t
know.
z 8. Notice and remember what people
call themselves.
z 7. Remember that you are an insider
to your culture, and an outsider to
other cultures.
Top Ten Cross – Cultural Tips
continued . . .
z 6.
Look for aspects of the other
culture that are admirable.
z 5. Never imply that the established
way of doing something is the only
way or the best way.
z 4. Be formal at first in language and
in behavior.
Top Ten Cross – Cultural Tips
continued . . .
z 3.
Never make assumptions based on
a person’s appearance, name or group.
z 2. Never show amusement or shock
at something that is strange to you.
z 1. Enjoy meeting people!
Communication
z Every
new bit of information either
helps or hinders the situation
–Recognize your communication style
–Expect to learn something about
yourself and others
–Speak clearly and use personal
examples when making a point
Communication continued . . .
–Participate honestly and openly
–Engage in the process by listening
actively and carefully
–Confidentiality
–Take responsibility for any
misunderstanding that may occur.