title: A guide to developing a culturally competent organization.
abstract: The journey to organizational cultural competence for a health care organization, educational setting, freestanding clinic, or long-term-care organization is a process that requires the collaborative efforts from people at all levels in every department as well as external consumers such as public policy officials, students, and community leaders. Broadly speaking, four main but overlapping areas must be considered in institute activities and strategies to accomplish a comprehensive culturally competent organization. These four areas are (a) administration and governance, (b) orientation and education, (c) language, and (d) staff competencies. This article presents key content areas and activities to consider on the journey to cultural competence. Tables with suggested departmental responsibilities for implementation are included. In some cases, the journey may best be facilitated by a consultant who is well versed in cultural competence and organizational dynamics.
authors.affiliation: College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Delaware, 25 North College, Newark, DE 19716, USA. lpurnell@udel.edu
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Purnell
authors.forename: Ruth E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Davidhizar
authors.forename: Joyce Newman
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Giger
authors.forename: Ora L
authors.initials: OL
authors.lastname: Strickland
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fishman
authors.forename: Dale M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Allison
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D054521:Cultural Competency; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007802:Language; D008611:Mentors; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015279:Organizational Culture; D013192:Staff Development; D016746:Transcultural Nursing / Q000379:methods*