Principles of Ledership

Culturally Competent Leadership

Principles of Leadership

Professor Back

April 30, 2015

By: Chelsey Pierce

Table of Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………..1

Body……………………………………………………………………………………………………..2

Cultural Competence Defined……...………………………………………………………...2

Importance of Leadership………………...…………………………………………………..3

A Culturally Competent Leader………………………...…………………………………….5

A Culturally Competent Leader and the Organization……………………………………..7

Conclusion…………...…………………………………………………………………………8

Key Learnings…………………………………………………………………………………………..9

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………….......10

Introduction

 The United States is continually becoming more and more diverse.  So diverse, that, those that were once considered the minority are now becoming the majority.   Americans are getting closer and closer to becoming the minority in a country that they once dominated.  According to Academic Excellence, “studies show that new entrants to the workforce and communities increasingly will be people of color, immigrants, and white women because of the differential birth rates and immigration patterns.” Because of how diverse the United States and the rest of the world is becoming, it is a must that we as citizens learn how to become more culturally competent.  To go even further, it is fundamentally necessary that those that lead our country, our communities, and our organizations and companies are culturally competent as well.  Leaders set the stage for followers.  It is important that top leaders, whether it’s in the government, communities or in organizations set a precedent for ethical behavior.  Leading an organization as a culturally competent leader can create a foundation of culturally competency.

Cultural Competency Defined

        The world is constantly becoming more and more diverse.  Many people do not know how to interact appropriately with people that they are not familiar with.  It is important that people learn how to be culturally competent, because one way or another, we are all going to have to interact with people that are different than us.  According to Gandolphi (2012), “culture is defined as shared interpretations about beliefs, values, and norms which affect the behaviors of people.” We all have different beliefs, values, and norms.  When interacting with people that have different beliefs, values, or norms, it is crucial that we learn how to be respectful.  Being able to respect another’s culture is a huge part of being a culturally competent individual.  Respect does not mean that one necessarily agrees with another’s culture, it means that you understand that their culture is different, you are okay with the differences, and you are able to view their culture with out any ethnocentrism.

Importance of Leadership

 Leaders are thought of as the main, the chief, the prime, the major, the most important, the most powerful, the key, the central, and the most essential part of a team (Merriam-Webster).   Many people can agree that the leader, the follower, and the situation all depend on each other for ultimate success. Without the cooperation and readiness of the followers, it would be difficult to successfully accomplish organizational goals.  Without recognition of the situation, it would be difficult for leaders to find appropriate ways to lead and function within its context.  All three parts of the leadership model are equally important.  Just as it would be difficult to lead a group without any followers, it would be equally as difficult to follow a leaderless group. “Effective leadership helps our nation through times or peril.  It makes a business organization successful.  It enables a not-for-profit organization to fulfill its missions.  The effective leadership of parents enables children to grow strong and healthy and become productive adults” (Mills p.10).  This quote says so much about how effective leadership is so very important in almost every aspect of the world.  

Today, because of the diversity of world, an effective leader must also be a culturally competent leader.  Not only is the world becoming more diverse, it is also becoming more globalized.  Globalization refers to, “the tendency of investment funds and businesses to move beyond domestic and national markets to other markets around the globe, thereby increasing the interconnectedness of different markets. Globalization has had the effect of markedly increasing not only international trade, but also cultural exchange” (Investopedia). Businesses and organizations are moving to markets beyond just national and creating connections throughout the world.   Thus, leaders need to make sure that they are creating an environment where all employees, domestic or abroad, feel equally part of the company and are equally heard and understood.  

A Culturally Competent Leader

 There are many qualities that go into becoming a culturally competent leader.  Some qualities that have really stood out in my research are: courageous, inclusive, sensitive, and knowledgeable.  Courageous, it takes a courageous, strong person to stand up for what they believe in.  Culturally competent leaders make a stand against oppression and even if it draws in negative attention, they stand by their core values regardless. “Culturally competent leaders accept and embrace discomfort that comes from change” (Cultures Connecting n.p.).  It is difficult to accept change.  Humans are creatures of habit.  As a leader, being able to stand up for a cause is greatly respected.  Being inclusive is important to leadership and especially to culturally competent leadership.  Being inclusive means that you want people to be involved. Inclusive leaders want the opinion of everyone in the organization and especially of those that are underrepresented.  Decisions are made as whole and for the whole, not just the few executive officials in the organization.  Sensitivity is something that is extremely important to utilize anytime you are working with the public.  Everyone is different.  Everyone has his or her own values, beliefs, feelings, weak spots, and fears.  “A culturally competent leader approaches their work through a lens of understanding” (Cultures Connecting n.p.). To be a culturally competent leader you have to be sensitive and understanding with other people.