Defining Cultural Competence
CULTURAL AWARENESS
Training relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture is often referred to by the term ‘cultural awareness’. However cultural awareness is an outdated concept which has been criticised widely for its many shortcomings, particularly its failure to effect change in behaviour and therefore service delivery.
Another major challenge with ‘cultural awareness’ is that participants typically do not have to display the achievement
of any competencies. Therefore, cultural awareness programs and sessions that do not have assessments and measurable outcomes cannot be defined as training.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE
‘Cultural Competence’ has been defined as:
…a set of congruent behaviours, attitudes and policies that come together in a system, agency or among professionals
and enables that system, agency, or those professionals to work effectively in cross-cultural situations.i
And the process in which the:
...professional continually strives to achieve ability and availability to effectively work within the cultural context of the client.
Operationally defined, cultural competence is:
...the integration and transformation of knowledge about individuals and groups of people into specific standards,
policies, practices, and attitudes used in appropriate cultural settings to increase the quality of services, thereby producing better outcomes.ii
WHY COMPETENCE IS MORE APPROPRIATE
From an organisational perspective Cultural Competence focuses on the attributes of the service provider and service provision and is best viewed as an ongoing process that organisations continue to strive towards.
For an individual, Cultural Competence is the ability to identify and challenge one’s own cultural assumptions, values and beliefs. It is about developing empathy and appreciating that there are many different ways of viewing the world, as this is influenced by culture.
Cultural Competence Training has competencies which must be achieved and which are recognised and accredited
by a Registered Training Organisation.
A BEST PRACTICE APPROACH
All courses developed and provided by CCCA adhere to best practice principles arising from the available evidence base, as well as from extensive consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academics, professionals,
leaders, peak bodies, organisations and communities.
CCCA’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Courses are unique in that they are online and
competency-based.
Participants must display that they have achieved these competencies in order to progress through and successfully
complete the courses.
Courses address knowledge and awareness, behaviour and practice, and emphasises relationships and partnerships.
Curriculums target not only the individual level, but also the professional, organisational and systemic levels.
i Cross, R. et al (1989) towards a Culturally Competent System of Care.
ii Davis, K. (1997) Exploring the intersection between culturally competency and managed behavioural health care policy.