Cultural Competency at Work

A Working Definition

Estimated read time:    February 9, 2024

Effectively navigating cultural dynamics, differences and nuances isn't just beneficial—it's essential.

In a PwC Global Organizational Culture Survey, over 65% of respondents emphasized the significance of culture, ranking it above strategy and operations. PwC reports that leaders recognize organizational culture as a powerful ally.

The report also highlights a concerning trend: a growing disparity between leaders' perception of culture and the reality experienced by their teams.

At inQUEST, our mission is to build workplaces that work for everyone. But realistically what works for some of us may not work for all of us. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing insights on a pivotal topic: Cultural Competency. By fostering cultural competency, we strive to create environments where individuals can thrive together.

inQUEST Definition as Unifying Force for Cultural Competency

We're not just sharing a generic definition of cultural competency. Our definition is meticulously crafted based on years of extensive work and field expertise. By sharing our definition, we aim to raise awareness and provide a solid starting point for individuals, teams, organizations and communities seeking to enhance their cultural competency.

“Cultural Competency is behaving in a way that reflects awareness, sensitivity, respectful curiosity, and acknowledgment of cultural dynamics, differences, and impacts.” - inQUEST Consulting

Adopting a shared definition isn't merely a procedural step or a standalone initiative—it's a strategic imperative that establishes the foundation for meaningful dialogue and actionable change. By creating an inclusive, accessible, and unified framework for understanding cultural competency, organizations can foster alignment and collaboration across and among individuals, teams, and departments.

With our definition as a guide, organizations can embark on a transformative journey towards greater awareness, sensitivity, respectful curiosity, and acknowledgement of culture.

How is your organization fostering cultural competency? We’d love to hear from you.