A business’s ability to communicate and work effectively with employees, clients and customers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds is vital in today’s global economy. However, different cultures have a variety of communication methods, habits and styles, which can result in miscommunications and misunderstandings. This is where cultural competency training comes in.

Generally speaking, cultural competency is the awareness that all individuals have their own culture and how it shapes their beliefs, values, behavior and interactions with others. It is also the ability to understand and respect these differences. By fostering this awareness, companies can reduce the misunderstandings and biases that lead to discrimination.

In addition, culturally competent employees are able to build trust and respect within diverse workplace environments. This can boost productivity, creativity and teamwork, as it allows for a wider range of viewpoints to be brought to the table. This can lead to new ideas that may have been overlooked by people with similar background experiences.

A large part of this cultural competency trainings focuses on understanding the difference in cultures, customs and languages around the world. This can include learning about basic vocabulary and pronunciation, understanding the importance of context and the role of language in communication, as well as learning about different religious practices and taboos. Other topics that are covered in this type of training may include negotiating skills, business etiquette and other important aspects of the workplace.

Another major component of this training focuses on understanding the concept of privilege and oppression in the workplace. This includes an understanding of the various "isms" (such as racism, sexism and discrimination against people with disabilities) and how they interact with one another. By educating employees on these concepts, they can become better allies and support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in their organizations.

As the world continues to become more multicultural, this type of training is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses. It can help employees better understand how to interact and collaborate with different groups of people, which can be particularly beneficial for international businesses. This training can also help reduce misunderstandings and conflicts that may arise due to differences in communication styles or the belief systems of different groups.

In the healthcare industry, this training is essential for nurses, doctors and other front-facing healthcare workers who must be able to provide services to patients from all over the globe. This includes being aware of different beliefs, customs and practices regarding religion, family dynamics, sensitivity to issues such as face/shame and how to deliver bad news.

While there is still much to learn about how to implement and evaluate cultural competence techniques, the research is promising. By addressing the various barriers that limit effective communication and collaboration, this training can help to improve patient outcomes and health care delivery. Rigorous research will allow for a greater understanding of which techniques are most effective and under what circumstances. This will ultimately lead to more effective and equitable health services for all.