OUTLINE

Cultural awareness is sensitivity to the similarities and differences that exist between different cultures and the use of this sensitivity in effective communication with members of another cultural group. Personal cultural competence is the actions we personally take to expand our knowledge of other cultures and how we use that to shape service to those people.

People’s cultural backgrounds can shape the ways that they interact with people. Without appropriate awareness for others’ cultures, misunderstandings can take place. Managers or staff leaders should encourage staff members to share their cultural differences in order to promote individuality and understanding of where certain behaviors may come from.

Whether a staff member is naturally diverse or was created that way on purpose, each employee can bring distinctive skills that can benefit the group as a whole. Raising cultural awareness can promote self-confidence, resulting in employees who feel respected, valued and trusted as individuals. In the end, the general public are able to benefit from an individual that is unified in working together to provide professional service.