Introduction
Technological progress promotes closer communication and cooperation between representatives of different cultures. Moreover, moving between countries and migrating for a permanent residence have become easier. As a result, intercultural contacts at various levels are more intense, and cultural competency becomes significant. This concept covers knowledge and skills, contributing to effective communication between people from different cultural backgrounds (Wilson, 2021). Cultural competency is necessary to build an honest, open, diverse, and open-minded society. Even though people still face difficulties in understanding other cultures, and stereotypes are still prevalent, increasing knowledge contributes to a higher level of cultural competency and is an essential step towards a just society.
Cultural Competitiveness Self-Assessment
My level of cultural competency increased significantly after completing the course. A score of 69 in the cultural competency self-assessment tool before training corresponds to a satisfactory awareness level; my current score of 97 is in the highest level range. I feel more confident discussing diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) issues. I was pretty comfortable being an ally for people with different identities. However, when discussing the problems of oppression and discrimination, I lacked specific knowledge, which hindered my cultural competency and could lead to misunderstanding in communication. The knowledge gained in the course gave me an understanding of existing problems, their roots, and solutions. As a result, I can contribute to a more just and equal world.
The course’s learning objectives covered various areas, and some of them helped me better understand DEI. For example, the discussion of efforts to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies demonstrates this direction’s importance and how many aspects need to be considered in achieving it. Building such a society is one of the sustainable development goals adopted by the international community (New York University’s Center on International Cooperation (CIC), 2019). Achieving this learning injective promotes knowledge of the essence of a peaceful, just, and inclusive society and the focus of efforts. For example, to ensure peace, it is essential to prevent terrorism, and combat child labor and all forms of violence (CIC, 2019). Justice requires opposing discrimination that can manifest itself against different groups, such as women or national minorities, and in various circumstances, like work or education (CIC, 2019). Knowing how many aspects require attention and how complex efforts should be to build the desired society is crucial.
Another critical learning objective is to understand the challenges to DEI efforts. In particular, few organizations currently have strong initiatives to promote DEI, and leadership that could influence the situation also lack diversity (The HR Research Institute, 2021). As a result, these issues do not receive the necessary attention, which is a barrier to a fair society and a challenge to DEI. At the same time, many people face the same problem as me – a lack of knowledge about DEI necessary for cultural competency (Shepherd et al., 2019). Understanding challenges is needed to find practical solutions to overcome them and build a just world.
The problem of lack of knowledge among the population leads to another learning objective – examining one’s awareness of DEI. First of all, achieving this goal is essential for self-development. Understanding own level of competency helps one find gaps that require filling and tracking progress. Second, examining awareness of DEI may be beneficial in the future of the workplace. For example, this skill is essential for leaders who help their team develop cultural competency. DEI awareness and the ability to examine it are critical to ensure that students begin to direct their efforts in the future to improve society.
Using the knowledge gained in the classroom, I can promote DEI in the workplace and society. Wilson (2021) notes that showing respect for other cultures and their representatives is essential. At work, it is necessary, if possible, for the staff to be diverse and multilingual and to know about the groups of the population with which they are in contact (Wilson, 2021). I can look for a job in an organization that supports cultural values and later offer and support initiatives that will improve the situation and awareness of DEI. Personally, I should focus on maintaining my knowledge of other cultures and preventing possible biases. This measure will help me be respectful, monitor modern trends, and support the necessary societal changes. Thus, the course gave me the knowledge to understand the issues of DEI and develop my cultural competency. I can apply them to contribute to the development of a fair society.
Conclusion
Thus, cultural competency, as a person’s ability to effectively communicate with representatives of other cultures, is critical in the modern world and necessary for personal and professional communication. Following the cultural competitiveness self-assessment tool results, my competency increased after completing the course. I was always ready to be an ally, but I lacked awareness of some of the problems that exist in society. Achieving the course’s learning objectives has contributed to my understanding of the complexity of DEI issues. The training demonstrated how important it is to understand their essence, potential challenges, and the possibilities of an awareness examination. Thanks to the knowledge gained, I can contribute to the construction of a peaceful, just, and inclusive society through actions at the workplace and in my personal life.
References
New York University’s Center on International Cooperation. (2019). Pathfinders for peaceful, just and inclusive societies. Web.
Shepherd, S. M., Willis-Esqueda, C., Newton, D., Sivasubramaniam, D., & Paradies, Y. (2019). The challenge of cultural competence in the workplace: Perspectives of healthcare providers. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 1-11. Web.
The HR Research Institute. (2021). The future of diversity, equity and inclusion 2021. National Wellness Institute. Web.
Wilson, S. (2021). Understanding cultural competency. Human Services Edu. Web.