The Five Aspects of Cross- Cultural

Competence

Competency Name Competency Definition

• Receptive to cross- cultural learning
• Maintains an open and productive attitude
• Avoids quick judgments
Open Attitude
• Tolerates ambiguity and complexity in
cross-cultural situations
• Remains patient with others
• Is aware about one's own cultural
background
• Can articulate one's own cultural values,
Self - Awareness beliefs and attitudes
• Can identify how differences in cultures
could lead to misunderstandings
• Recognizes the cultural values, attitudes,
beliefs and behaviors of others in order to
develop new cross-cultural business skills
• Observes and articulates areas of shared
Other - Awareness cultural perspectives to find common
ground
• Identifies ways to build stronger cross-
cultural relationships
• Has acquired, or can acquire a
comprehensive knowledge of other cultures
• Correctly identifies the general knowledge
Cultural Knowledge needed about a culture
• Knows where to get necessary information
and builds networks to learn about other
cultures
• Has the necessary skill to work effectively
across cultures
Cross Cultural Skills • Continues to refine and improve one's skills
• Adapts one' own management style to be
effective in multicultural situations

Adapted from Joerg Schmitz, "Cultural Orientations Guide"

30 © 2005 National MultiCultural Institute