What are cultural competency and diversity management?
Cultural competency is the continuous learning process that enables one to function effectively in the context of cultural differences. Diversity management is the process of becoming culturally competent by understanding the needs, wants, desires, strengths, weaknesses, beliefs and values of each person, while providing him or her the opportunity to contribute to the collective genius of the whole. Diversity management is about creating synergistic results that are equal to or greater than the sum of the individual parts. Managing diversity is about enabling each member of the work force to perform above and beyond his or her potential. It’s also about making sure people are not led to believe a lie or stereotype, so they can be free of guilt and ‘live happily ever after.’ Diversity means ‘difference’ or ‘variety.’ So the term ‘diverse work force’ refers to a work force where the workers have a variety of different characteristics, including, but not limited to gender, disability, cul
