Kukulu
Business Resources - Excellence Through Cultural Competence
Business Resources - Excellence Through Cultural Competence
Cultural Competence
Hawai'i is recognized as the great cultural "melting pot". However, a more accurate analogy may be "patchwork quilt". Yes, there is tremendous sharing and blending of cultures in Hawai'i; however, each culture remains largely intact and unique. Hawai'i also enjoys the distinction of being one of the great visitor destinations of the world. As such, Hawai'i organizations routinely deal with employees and customers from diverse cultures making cultural competence a critical component for any organization conducting business in Hawai'i.
Cultural Competence in the context of business refers to an organization's ability to respectfully, effectively, and responsibly interact with people (employees and customers) of different cultures. This is where commerce meets culture. In essence, cultural competence requires people to overcome fear and discomfort and become ma 'a (knowledgeable and experienced) in four areas:
- Knowledge Factual information that replaces stereotypes and generalizations.
- Understanding Awareness and appreciation that people will see things differently based on their cultural viewpoint.
- Acceptance Tolerance and respect that allows others the same freedom of behavior that we expect for ourselves.
- Behavior Ability to interact effectively with others different from ourselves.
Developing cultural competence takes time and effort, but is an investment to an organization's sustainability. Cultural competent management will enhance workplace communications, morale, and harmony. On the other hand, organizations with cultural competent employees will experience enhanced customer satisfaction, increased purchases, and more repeat business. Kukulu Business Resources can help your organization build capacity by developing your organization's cultural competency. Our services here include, but are not limited to:
- Attract and retain qualified employees from an ever growing multi-cultural labor pool
- Develop Hawaiian specific and multi-cultural competence
- Liaison between client organization and Native Hawaiian entities
- Cultural Resource Management
- Hawaiian naming of businesses, projects, and facilities
- Conflict resolution through ho'oponopono (traditional Native Hawaiian mediation)
- Cultural values training
Please contact us to explore how you may enhance your organization's capacity through cultural competence.
