The world is filled with uniqueness. Every person belongs to a different cultural background and has different beliefs and practices. The world is diverse and instead of yielding discrimination due to diversity, it should be celebrated. Humans are social animals and it is important for every person to feel like there is a place for them in this world and they belong. Every person wants to feel like they contribute to this world and that he or she is needed. Rest assured, human connections are a big part of why the earth can rotate with inhabitants. Therefore, respecting the diversity of the world and receiving cultural competency trainings to encourage diversity among everyone and in every field of life has become highly essential.
In recent years, awareness about the inclusion of cultural diversity has been increasing but even then it can be difficult to understand the same and connect with others. Connecting with people who come from a different cultural background respectfully can sometimes be difficult and there may be codes of conduct that may be beyond your understanding. Because there is a huge amount of diversity across the globe and people have different views and beliefs about life and the world, conflicts are bound to arise. Nonetheless, these differences should create a bond of understanding among humans and not divide them. Becoming culturally competent has become the need of the hour and although it is challenging, one must look to get training for diversity in the workplace not only to increase the efficiency of the workplace but also to become better human beings.
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What is Cultural Competency?
Cultural competency refers to the ability to have an effective understanding of people who belong to different cultural backgrounds and to be able to interact with them effectively. One must have a good understanding of their culture before they strive to gain an understanding of other cultures. Without a willingness to discover the depth of the world and to be enlightened about different cultural practices, one cannot develop cultural competence. It is essential to appreciate the cultural differences of the world and have positivity and enthusiasm to respect the differences in various cultures of the world. Taking part in a good diversity training program can help individuals become more aware of the differences in cultural practices and help them to develop cultural competence.
Significance of Cultural Competency
Humans are always surrounded by other humans who may come from different cultural backgrounds. Take a football club for instance. They will have players from different parts of the world following different cultural practices because it is understood that there is talent and skill in people from all around the world. Being surrounded by diversity opens you up to the world and helps you learn about new things. Therefore, being aware of the significance of cultural competence particularly in today’s age is highly necessary. Visiting a cultural intelligence center can also help a person to increase their cultural competence.
Makes The World Better
Imagine if everyone looked exactly like you, had the same thoughts as you, wore the same clothes as you, how would the world appear to you? The majority of the people would not want to live in such a world because it would be plain and boring. However, since there are people who belong to different racial identities, have different perceptions of the world, follow different traditional and cultural practices, the world becomes more exciting and thrilling. It also makes life a little more worth living.
Shapes The Behaviour of Individuals
Being around a person who may have views different from you may annoy you but the diversity in culture is part of what constitutes the world. Taking cultural competency trainings is necessary because it will help you to become a better individual and it will help you respect the people around you and their opinions as well.
Unites The World
If there is no unity in the world, there will be violence and conflict every day. People need one another for survival for which, living in peace and harmony is necessary. Nonetheless, there is chaos in the world every day due to differences in cultural beliefs. Cultural competence enables people to follow their cultural beliefs without disrespecting the practices of other cultures. Hence, to live in a peaceful world, people need to live in peace with one another for which cultural competence is required.
Eliminates Predetermined Notions
Humans tend to develop stereotypical beliefs about a culture before having a proper understanding of the same. Getting training for diversity in the workplace can help individuals to eradicate notions that have been rooted in their minds about a culture due to stereotypes. Cultural competence enables one to get a proper and accurate comprehension of a culture which will help them to respect the diversity furthermore.
Discrimination Can Be Eliminated
History is filled with discrimination based on cultural differences. Stories of national leaders or people who are different from the cream of the society have been known to be a victim of violence. Cultural incompetence also leads humans to treat other human beings like animals which is wrong because even animals should not be treated with disregard. Going through leadership tests will help people to understand why discrimination on the grounds of cultural difference is harmful and why cultural competence is needed.
These are some of the essential reasons why cultural competence is highly necessary for a world that is filled with cultural differences and diversity. There should be room for everyone in this world and there should be no room for cultural incompetence. A proper understanding of the cultural differences in the world can be gained through cultural competency trainings so that there can be more peace and unity in the world. Hence, increasing one’s cultural competence is essential.
