The One Thing Missing From Cultural Competence

I was fortunate to meet and sit down with Dr. Oliver Crocco, Assistant Professor of Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University, at the University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) Conference at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.  We started talking about diversity intelligence, intercultural competence, and effective communication for his LHRD 7305 Cultural Competency & Diversity graduate course. It was an organic conversation -- completely spontaneous and unrehearsed!  Dr. Crocco hit "record" on his laptop and we started talking.  Join us!

My definition of cultural competence is: a skill set that makes you effective in cross-cultural interactions. I consider all of our interactions to be cross-cultural as I use the broad definition of culture.  One thing I do know is cultural competence is a journey in continuous learning.  If you think you’ve mastered cultural competence, think again! 

Sources Mentioned: (oldies, but goodies)

Cross, T., Bazron, B., Dennis, K., & Isaacs, M.  (1989).  Towards a Culturally Competent System of Care, Volume 1.  Washington, DC: CASSP Technical Assistance Center, Center for Child Health and Mental Health Policy, Georgetown University Child Development Center

Tervalon, M. & Murray-García, J. (1998). Cultural Humility Versus Cultural Competence: A Critical Distinction in Defining Physician Training Outcomes in Multicultural Education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 9(2), 117-125. Johns Hopkins University Press.