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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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