Cultural Diversity Module Subtitle goes here and should be kept short ©2010 Catholic Healthcare West 1 1

Cultural Diversity Objectives At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: Differentiate between generalization and stereotyping. Differentiate between ethnocentrism and cultural relativity. Define cultural competency 2

Cultural Diversity What is Culture? Practical working definition: A pattern of learned, group related perceptions; including verbal and non-verbal language, attitudes, values, belief systems, disbelief systems and behaviors that is accepted and expected by an identity group. Culture is… - generalized - flexible - different for everyone Culture is not… - stereotypical - rigid - the same for everyone 3

C U L T U R A L D I V E R S I T Y Cultural Diversity So what does all this mean? C U L T U R A L D I V E R S I T Y 4

Cultural Diversity Definition: Cultural Competence Definition: A set of values, behaviors, attitudes and practices within a system, organization, program or among individuals which enables them to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. 5

Cultural Diversity Cultural Diversity in Healthcare Knowledge of Cultural Diversity is vital at all levels of healthcare. It is essential that the Healthcare workers considers specific cultural factors impacting individual patients. Each patient must be assessed for individual cultural differences. 6

Cultural Diversity What Healthcare Workers Bring to the Organization Personal cultural heritage Educational culture Educational philosophy Managing Diversity Remember: The individual is the focus, the culture is the background There are generational differences in the same culture and/or family Cultural awareness demonstrates sensitivity, concern and respect Avoid assuming you know what someone believes Not everyone identifies with their culture or ethnicity The patient is their own cultural expert… ask them Avoid stereotyping Respect the integrity of the cultural beliefs of others 7

Cultural Diversity Hints for success: Managing Diversity (cont’d) Be aware of your own perceptions about others and how they influence your behavior Be aware of your own cultural behaviors Learn to recognize when your perceptions of others are stereotypical - keep an open mind Remember - there is no “one way” to treat any racial or ethnic group 8

Cultural Diversity One Final Note Diversity is often far greater within a group than between groups. Important intergenerational differences exist within any culture. “Cookbook” approaches to working with people from diverse sociocultural backgrounds are not useful. The risk of destructive stereotyping and/or overgeneralization is great. 9