What does cultural competence primarily emphasize?

Cultural competence primarily emphasizes self-reflection regarding biases. This concept involves recognizing and examining one's own beliefs, values, and assumptions, which can influence interactions with individuals from diverse cultures. By engaging in self-reflection, individuals can better understand how their background affects their perspectives and interactions, leading to more effective communication and collaboration in diverse settings.

While knowledge of specific cultural customs is valuable, cultural competence goes deeper than just knowing facts about different cultures. It encompasses an ongoing process of learning about others while also being aware of one’s own cultural identity and potentially limiting biases. Similarly, developing communication skills and understanding the importance of cultural diversity are important components of working effectively in diverse teams, but they are part of the broader context of self-reflection and the continuous journey toward achieving true cultural competence.