Cultural Competence

Cultural and linguistic competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals that enables effective work in cross-cultural situations. 'Culture' refers to integrated patterns of human behavior that include the language, thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of racial, ethnic, religious, or social groups. 'Competence' implies having the capacity to function effectively as an individual and an organization within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities.
(Adapted from Cross, 1989).

Resource Links

The following Internet web sites are listed for your convenience. This is not all-inclusive, nor should it be considered an endorsement of the accuracy of, or support for, the information/views expressed in each site.

Health Resources and Services Administration
http://www.hrsa.gov/culturalcompetence

Georgetown University
http://www11.georgetown.edu/research/gucchd/nccc/foundations/frameworks.html

National Pervention Information Network
http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/population/culture.asp