What is cultural competence?

Cultural competence refers to an ability interact effectively with people of different cultures. Cultural competence is comprised of four components:

(a) Awareness of one's own cultural worldview (consciousness of one's personal reactions to people who are different)

(b) Attitude towards cultural differences

(c) Knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews

(d) Cross-cultural skills

Developing cultural competence results in an ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.