The core difference lies in the focus: cultural competence aims for effective performance in cross-cultural situations, while cultural proficiency is characterized by holding cultures in high esteem.
Understanding Cultural Competence vs. Cultural Proficiency
These two terms represent different stages or aspects of developing positive and effective interactions across diverse cultures. While both are crucial for fostering inclusive environments, they emphasize distinct qualities and outcomes.
Cultural Competence
Based on the definition provided (06-Apr-2021), cultural competence is:
...As Cross defined it, a set of behaviors, attitudes, and policies that enable effective performance in cross-cultural situations.
This definition highlights that cultural competence is about possessing the tools (behaviors, attitudes, and policies) needed to navigate interactions effectively with people from different backgrounds. It's about the ability to function well and achieve desired outcomes in diverse settings.
Think of it as building a toolkit and learning how to use it effectively when working or interacting across cultural lines.
Key Characteristics of Cultural Competence:
- Focus on effectiveness in interactions.
- Involves acquiring specific behaviors, attitudes, and policies.
- Aims to enable performance in diverse settings.
- Often seen as a crucial step towards better cross-cultural relations.
Cultural Proficiency
In contrast, the definition provided (06-Apr-2021) describes cultural proficiency as:
...Finally, proficient approaches hold cultures in high esteem.
This definition points to a deeper level of understanding and appreciation. Cultural proficiency isn't just about performing effectively, but about holding a genuine and high regard for diverse cultures themselves. It implies valuing different cultural perspectives and practices fundamentally.
It's not just about managing interactions but about valuing the inherent worth of diverse cultural identities and expressions.
Key Characteristics of Cultural Proficiency:
- Focus on valuing and esteeming cultures.
- Represents a deeper level of appreciation.
- Implies a fundamental belief in the worth of diverse cultures.
- Often considered a more advanced stage than competence.
Comparing Competence and Proficiency
While often used interchangeably or seen as steps on a continuum, the definitions provided suggest a primary distinction in their focus and underlying mindset.
Here's a simple comparison based on the provided information:
| Feature | Cultural Competence | Cultural Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Effective performance in cross-cultural situations | Holding cultures in high esteem |
| Mechanism | Behaviors, attitudes, policies enabling effectiveness | Underlying value and appreciation |
| Goal | Functioning well across cultures | Deep respect and regard for diverse cultures |
| Level (Implied) | Foundational ability to interact effectively | Advanced stage of valuing and honouring cultures |
In essence, one is about doing effectively across cultures (competence), while the other is about valuing and appreciating cultures deeply (proficiency). Proficiency could be seen as building upon competence by adding a layer of profound respect and positive regard.
Practical Insights
Developing both competence and proficiency is vital for individuals and organizations operating in a diverse world.
- For Cultural Competence: Training might focus on specific communication styles, understanding non-verbal cues, recognizing biases, and adapting service delivery models.
- For Cultural Proficiency: This might involve actively seeking out and celebrating cultural differences, incorporating diverse perspectives into decision-making processes, and advocating for equity and inclusion based on a genuine valuing of all cultures.
Ultimately, moving from competence to proficiency involves shifting from simply navigating differences effectively to genuinely valuing and honoring the richness that diverse cultures bring.
