Exploring Cultural Competence from a Sociological Point of View

Abstract

This article describes cultural competence from a sociological perspective. Given the diversity in all aspects of life in South Africa the researchers argue that mastering cultural competence could address many of the misunderstandings that normally occur among people of different cultures. A review of the literature shows that cultural competence is about the ability to work effectively across cultures; it is an approach that enables one to learn to communicate and work respectfully with people whose cultures differ from one’s own. Furthermore, cultural competence is about people’s own feelings of competence which are based on positive attitudes and self-confidence. The authors argue that the development of cultural competency is a long journey that requires insight, emotional maturity, caring and a way of being. Within organisations cultural competence is the ability to create practice and policies that are more accessible to different populations for appropriate and effective cross-cultural situations.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p332