Your attitude towards cultural differences and diversity influences how you feel about others and how you approach new information.
It impacts your ability to understand the social, economic, cultural, political and life challenges people experience. This attitude also presents itself in your personality when meeting new people or interacting with people you already know. Your attitude can make others feel comfortable in your company – or avoid you for fear of judgement.
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To work inclusively, allow the impact of the experiences of others to change your personal behaviour, relationships, perceptions and expectations of others.
Cultural awareness
There are four levels of cultural awareness. Each of these levels is explained below.
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Becoming culturally aware
By reflecting on and improving your understanding of a particular person, you are expanding your ability to be culturally aware of all people.
Cultural awareness:
- is not about knowing everything but being open and willing to accept others and find out about how you can respect their values and beliefs.
- will strengthen over time if you continue to reflect on your actions and make attempts to learn about others.
- is not something you do in your work role alone; it becomes part of how you treat all people in any aspect of your life.
One of the ways to improve your cultural awareness is to share information about different cultures with others. This will improve your:
- cultural knowledge, as you find out about a person’s background and cultural values and beliefs
- cultural awareness, as you feel an understanding and acknowledgement of their background
- cultural sensitivity, as you accept similarities and differences between all people.
Case study
This case study provides an example about receiving medical treatment from someone who understands your culture.
It is important to be aware of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures because of their impact on the perceptions and feelings of these peoples today.
In some communities in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are a minority. As a result, people like Albert can find it quite intimidating when using government services.
‘I am always hesitant to go to the doctor,’ says Albert. ‘I only go when I have to, because I am very sick. I do not like the waiting room, as I am usually the only blackfella there. It’s always so much easier if someone from your own mob is there who understands you.’
Reflect
How would you feel if you were in Albert’s situation?
Record your thoughts in your digital device or notebook.
Watch the videos
The following two videos show how cultural awareness can improve the service and experience of Aboriginal people. It shows the approach of staff in a mainstream medical clinic (Part A) compared with an Aboriginal health service (Part B).
The video includes some ‘pause’ moments with questions posed for the viewer’s reflection. While these questions are not relevant for you in your role, use these moments to reflect on the interactions you observe and consider Aunty’s experience in the two different clinics.
What were the key differences that you observed and how do you think Aunty may have felt in each situation?
Watch ‘Part A: Cultural safety’.
Now, watch ‘Part B: Cultural safety’.
Cultural sensitivity
A culturally sensitive approach to interactions with others shows acceptance of other people’s values, opinions, customs and needs.
You can show acceptance and that you value each person's diversity by being aware of their different needs and cultural values.
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Select each bar to expand and reveal further information about how to be culturally sensitive at work.
Case study
This case study shows how the language you use can be unintentionally offensive to others.
Pete provides in-home, short-term respite support for families caring for someone with a disability. Many of the families are newly arrived immigrants from Africa, and most don’t have English as their first spoken language. Pete’s job is to organise activities that support people with disabilities so their families can have a short break. He needs to work closely with interpreters, case managers, and other service providers.
Pete is meeting with a case manager from Somalia, who is there to support a new family and help organise their respite care. Pete greets her with his hand outstretched and says, ‘G’day, how are ya? Hot enough for you?’ The woman is surprised by Pete’s informal greeting and offended that he referred to her using the term ‘hot’, which she interprets as referring to how someone looks. The case manager frowns at Pete and greets him formally, saying, ‘It’s nice to meet you, Mr Barry. I think we should keep this meeting professional, don’t you?’
Pete is embarrassed and realises that perhaps he has acted inappropriately and maybe offended the case manager. He realises he needs to be more sensitive so that he does not cause offence.
Reflect
What other ways could Pete have greeted the case worker? What actions would demonstrate his cultural sensitivity?
Record your thoughts in your digital device or notebook.
Read to learn more
Visit the Cultures page at Cultural Atlas. Select a country that interests you and read about their customs and values, such as their greetings, religion and dates of significance for that culture.
What information surprised you? What did you learn that you didn’t know?
Cultural safety
A culturally safe environment is created when people respect others and acknowledge that their own needs do not overshadow the needs of others.
You can create an environment of cultural safety by acting in a way that shows others you care about their needs and are interested in their choices. This helps others feel respected and included. When people feel welcomed, they feel empowered, valued, understood, supported, willing to participate and open to the feelings and ideas of others.
Here are some ways you can contribute to a culturally safe environment:
- make people feel that they are valued
- praise and acknowledge people to improve their self-esteem
- encourage people to support others
- appreciate the efforts of others
- use respectful and positive communication
- use social skills such as saying ‘good morning’, ‘goodbye’ and ’thank you’.
Case study
This case study shows how reflection is a powerful self-improvement tool.
Shirin is meeting a Sudanese family who have only been settled in Australia for a few weeks and speak little English. Shirin wants to make them feel welcome.
At the end of the meeting, Shirin thought the meeting did not go as well as she had hoped. Afterwards, she reflects and notes the following things that happened:
- When she explained information, her voice became louder and the speed of her words slowed.
- The man wouldn’t look at her while he explained their circumstances.
- The couple conferred in their own language several times before giving a response in English.
Reflect
What has Shirin learned about the cultural needs of the family she was interviewing?
Record your thoughts in your digital device or notebook.
Check your understanding
Respond to the question below and select ‘Check’ to see if you are correct.