Cultural competence is being able to interact well with other people of different cultures such that all the needs of members of the community are addressed. It ensures effective interaction between people of different cultures ( Betancourt et al., 2016) . In this case, culture does not only refer to ethnicity or race but also includes other characteristics like sexual orientation, education, gender, education, age, profession, geographical location or disability. Cultural competence ensures people are responsive and respectful to other people’s practices and beliefs. It is dynamic and occurs in continuum therefore takes time. Cultural competence practices in different fields and professions will ensure that all people are included and well represented. There will not be any form of discrimination or poor service provision to clients. Everyone will receive the same and proper treatment based on their needs.
Ethical standards are governing the professionals of human services which ensure commitment to cultural competence in professionals. The code of ethics helps to define the education, responsibilities of different practices and the acceptable behavior in practice ( Rhodes & Potter, 1986). They are put in place to promote clients’ welfare by ensuring that the standards are followed to the latter. These codes also play a significant role in providing stability of professionals by influencing personal values. They will protect both the people in practice and the clients seeking services from that organization.
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The ten NASW standards were put in place to ensure cultural competence in social work. The rules focus on ways which will ensure diversity within professional to build cultural competence ( Mizrahi & Mayden, 2001) . The first principle focuses on how values and ethics may accommodate or conflict with the needs of different clients. The second principle is on self-awareness; how getting to understand one will help to understand other people. Cross-cultural knowledge is another principle which will ensure people are well equipped with knowledge about traditions, history and family systems hence be in a better position to understand others. Understanding of service delivery which will help professionals make proper referrals for different clients. Advocacy and empowerments and diverse workforce to ensure there is diversity in the profession. Other principles that provide the commitment to cultural competence are cross-cultural leadership, language diversity, and professional education. Cultural competence will bring more people together because they can understand the needs of each other and respect them. It will bring out a more cohesive community. This can help change the attitude of people towards others and do away with cultural indifference.
I commit to cultural competence by understanding that different people have different needs and beliefs which should be respected. Everyone is entitled to excellent services, and their characteristics should not discriminate their needs. I have also committed to developing some skills that will enhance my cultural competence such as learning better ways of communicating to people so that I am sensitive to everyone and communicate effectively. Also, learn how to be flexible and adapt to different situations. Commitment to cultural competence has influenced my coursework positively. I can understand and relate better with more people from different backgrounds. Additionally, I can learn from different people and diversify my knowledge due to different effective interactions. This will also help me in the future in my profession where I will be expected to interact with different people.
References
Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Owusu Ananeh-Firempong, I. I. (2016).
Defining cultural competence: a practical framework for addressing racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care. Public health reports .
Mizrahi, T., & Mayden, R. W. (2001). NASW standards for cultural competence in social work practice. Retrieved March , 7 , 2015.
Rhodes, M. L., & Potter, J. (1986). Ethical dilemmas in social work practice . Boston: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
