Cultural diversity has promoted cultural bias in current society mainly because many people are culturally blind. Cultural intellects create an accessible environment by practicing acts of generosity towards people regardless of their differences in identity and behavior. In addition, diverse cultures create religious rituals, beliefs, and stories that explain life and death through different daily life events, emphasizing a personal relationship between people and their culture.
Culture is passed down from one generation to another through cultural traditions and apprenticeship practices. The idea of cultural diversity got into people’s thoughts, and it influences their judgmental characters based on each person’s cultural differences. Cultural Intelligence has made people adapt and function effectively in any new cultural setting. Different views among different people come in place and cause tension that affects the success of their interaction. Individuals are versed in their customs, beliefs, and norms. When they interact with one another, they point out their differences, and, in most cases, get uncomfortable with other people’s opinions and points of view.
Cultural Intelligence has erased cultural blind spot stereotypes, and it has also shown how differences among one another are significant in helping people have varying knowledge of the multiple cultures. It also has given us another perspective on seeing the world differently, giving us a better explanation and predicting responses of others, preventing confusion and anxiety in diverse settings. All cultures develop family or affiliate organizations, child training, and rites of passage. Interactions between unfamiliar cultures allow exploring and practicing the use of Cultural Intelligence.
To improve our ability to function effectively in situations characterized by cultural diversity, different aspects are essential. Some ways include understanding our own culture, learning a new language, and experiencing a different culture firsthand. For example, to pause and not act on our first impulse and examine our attitudes towards one another. In addition, taking time to analyze our perspective that has developed through personal experiences is important. Finally, we should mostly take a personal interest in finding out how our culture influences our beliefs and origins by understanding our basis first. In addition, it makes it easier to learn a new culture, and a different language through interacting with other people and overcoming cultural barriers.
Intercultural communication and engagement are essential factors as it influences language and cultural interactions. Although different, we are all similar with goals to live fruitful lives without complications. Therefore, people learn to put themselves in other people’s situations and take the initiative to understand their cultural background before implying any justification based on how they react towards things and different scenarios.
The goal purpose of engaging the nations with the gospel is to create a common culture that can be embraced by everyone acknowledging that we are all made in the image and likeness of Christ. Crossing cultures gives purpose to bringing life-giving gospel ministries to the world nations. According to Ogede (2017), we can communicate the truth of the gospel to conceptualize it through a worldwide view. Cultural Intelligence facilitates cross-cultural evangelism between different religious groups, reaching people from across different nations.
To promote unity in our diverse neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and churches, cultural intelligence is essential and can be passed on to our children to ensure a user-friendly environment. A culturally intelligent workforce promotes better trust and understanding of the global workforce.
References
Ogede, O. (2017). Crossing cultures. Matatu, 41(1), 515-518.