Cultural CompetencyCultural Competency

Source: U. S. Department of JusticeCommunity Relations Service

African American CulturesAfrican American Cultures

Loyalty, trust, and kinshipCommunication style is expressivePride & DignityStrong link with extended family/childrenStrong church influenceRESPECT

White/Anglo CulturesWhite/Anglo Cultures

Individualism and personal achievement

CompetitionPrimarily nuclear familySocial relationships are informalPrivacy/spaceRESPECT

Hispanic/Latino CulturesHispanic/Latino Cultures

Family & ReligionPride in heritageHigher value placed on interaction

with othersCommunication is expressiveHonor, dignity and RESPECT

Native American CulturesNative American Cultures

Individual Clan – Tribe

Family rolesCustomsReligion

HomeChildrenEducationRESPECT

Asian CulturesAsian Cultures

Cooperation/Sharing

HarmonyConversationPolitenessFormality

PatienceIndirectnessFamily

HonorRESPECT

Arab, Muslim and Sikh CulturesArab, Muslim and Sikh Cultures

Individual- VillageFamily roles are well definedGender roles are well definedCustoms are steeped in religionChildren importantRESPECT

Top Ten Cross – Cultural TipsTop Ten Cross – Cultural Tips10. Diversity has many levels and

complexities.9. Be willing to admit what you don’t

know.8. Notice and remember what people

call themselves.7. Remember that you are an insider to

your culture, and an outsider to other cultures.

Top Ten Cross – Cultural Tips Top Ten Cross – Cultural Tips continued . . . continued . . . 6. Look for aspects of the other

culture that are admirable.5. Never imply that the established

way of doing something is the only way or the best way.

4. Be formal at first in language and in behavior.

Top Ten Cross – Cultural Tips Top Ten Cross – Cultural Tips continued . . . continued . . . 3. Never make assumptions based on

a person’s appearance, name or group.2. Never show amusement or shock

at something that is strange to you.1. Enjoy meeting people!

CommunicationCommunicationEvery 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 . . . Communication continued . . .

–Participate honestly and openly

–Engage in the process by listening actively and carefully

–Confidentiality

–Take responsibility for any misunderstanding that may occur.