Why Is Cultural Sensitivity Important?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Cultural sensitivity is important because it allows us to effectively function in other cultures , allows us to respect and value other cultures, and can reduce cultural barriers between professionals and their patients.

Why is culturally sensitive care important?

“Displays of cultural sensitivity by healthcare providers result in their patients having feelings of comfort with and trust of their providers , both of which enhance patients’ satisfaction with care...and sense of interpersonal control in the healthcare process.” 12 It enables patients “to feel comfortable with, ...

Why is cultural sensitivity important in the workplace?

For more, check out Understanding Cultural Differences. Cultural sensitivity in the workplace enables employees to improve productivity, reduce communication barriers and engage fully in the workplace environment . ... This understanding allows employees to serve each other and their customers better.

Why is cultural sensitivity important in communication?

Improving communication skills

Cultural sensitivity training raises awareness of the nuances of cross-culture communication , and the importance of words, actions, gestures and body language in cultivating relationships with different people and groups.

Why should you be sensitive to cultural difference?

Cultural sensitivity is a set of skills that enables us to learn about and understand people who are different from ourselves , thereby becoming better able to serve them within their own communities. “No one is born fully-formed: it is through self-experience in the world that we become who we are.”

How do you deliver culturally sensitive care?

  1. Awareness. As with any social issue, the first step is awareness. ...
  2. Avoid Making Assumptions. ...
  3. Learn About Other Cultures. ...
  4. Build Trust and Rapport. ...
  5. Overcome Language Barriers. ...
  6. Educate Patients About Medical Practices. ...
  7. Practice Active Listening.

What is an example of cultural sensitivity?

Example: People who seamlessly interact with others from different cultures by following the norms of that culture . They feel that they can respect their own values while adapting to the values of other cultures they interact with. They use empathy effectively.

How do you show respect and sensitivity to cultural issues?

  1. Make friends. Get to know your friends’ families and see how their customs and traditions differ from yours. ...
  2. Talk to people. When you meet people from a different culture, ask them about their lives. ...
  3. Read. ...
  4. Watch movies. ...
  5. Listen to radio shows and podcasts. ...
  6. Travel.

How do you show cultural sensitivity?

  1. Think beyond race and ethnicity. A person’s culture is shaped by more than the color of their skin or the way that they dress. ...
  2. Learn by asking. ...
  3. Make local connections. ...
  4. Pay attention to non-verbal behaviors. ...
  5. Exchange stories.

How can cultural sensitivity be improved in the workplace?

  1. Get training for global citizenship. ...
  2. Bridge the culture gap with good communication skills. ...
  3. Practice good manners. ...
  4. Celebrate traditional holidays, festivals, and food. ...
  5. Observe and listen to foreign customers and colleagues.

What do you mean by cultural sensitivity?

Cultural Sensitivity is defined as:

a) Being aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist without assigning them a value – positive or negative, better or worse, right or wrong.

Does cultural sensitivity training work?

Indeed, the science shows most diversity training programs are ineffective. ... Yet, the minorities I spoke to overwhelmingly agreed that diversity training does little to curb bad workplace behavior, and, in some cases, indeed just as Bregman says, cultural sensitivity programs wind up encouraging further discrimination .

Will cultural differences affect communication?

Cultural differences causes behavior and personality differences like body language, thinking, communication, manners, norms, etc. which leads to miscommunication. For example, in some cultures eye contact is important whereas in some it is rude and disrespectful.

Why is sensitivity important?

Being sensitive is often a good thing. It helps respond to the environment and people . It helps us being alert of the danger. Sensitivity is also the basis of sympathy and empathy.

What are five steps to exhibiting cultural sensitivity?

  1. Be aware of why you want to learn more about other cultures. ...
  2. Educate yourself on intercultural communication. ...
  3. Become aware of your own culture and biases. ...
  4. Let go of any ethnocentric beliefs. ...
  5. Ask questions during intercultural exchanges!

What is cultural sensitivity in effective communication?

Cultural sensitivity refers to a set of skills that allows you to learn about and understand people whose cultural background is not the same as yours . ... It simply means that you’re willing to ask honest questions, seek understanding, and demonstrate empathy rather than judging those around you.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.