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The Quest for Multicultural Competence: Challenges and Lessons Learned from Clinical and Organizational Research
Author(s) -
Chao Melody Manchi,
Okazaki Sumie,
Hong Yingyi
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
social and personality psychology compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.699
H-Index - 53
ISSN - 1751-9004
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00350.x
Subject(s) - conceptualization , multiculturalism , psychology , competence (human resources) , cultural competence , hostility , competence based management , cultural diversity , social psychology , engineering ethics , pedagogy , sociology , management , strategic financial management , artificial intelligence , strategic planning , computer science , anthropology , engineering , economics
Multicultural competence refers to the ability to appreciate diversity and to work effectively in multicultural settings. In this increasingly diverse and globalized world, being culturally competent has become more important than ever. Integrating research in counseling and organizational studies, the authors examine the conceptualization of cultural competence across disciplinary boundaries. The authors review pertinent research to dissect the major challenges posted to the quest for cultural competence and conclude that training programs that overemphasize knowing the different ‘Others’ may promote a false sense of competence, and even fuel intergroup hostility and reactance. To enhance cultural competence, we recommend shifting the emphasis in competence trainings from knowing the different ‘Others’ to enhancing critical self‐awareness.