UNIT III “PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE”

SWK 410Kimberly Baker-Abrams

Why talk about prejudice and discrimination?

• prejudice and discrimination spread by not having respectful dialogue

• discussing the issues eliminates alienation between people

What is the difference between equality and

equity? Is it important?

Within families and communities narratives about “other” groups:

• spread stories about how things came to be and what is significant (myths become truths)

• belief systems lead to discrimination

How can narratives about “other” groups surface in a

work environment?

• policies

• hiring and retention practices

• interpersonal relationships

• organizational power

Potential areas of conflict between individuals of different cultures:

• language

• norms, values

• identity, sense of self

• space, organization

• directness, disclosure

• non-verbal communication

• dress

• concept of time

• social behaviors

• work habits

• value of work

• management, negotiation styles

What are micro-aggressions?

How do they fit in?

Ethnocentrism contributes to conflict:

by believing that your perspective is “correct,” preferable, and superior

What is “Ethnocentric Syndrome?”

behavioral tendencies manifested when interacting with individuals considered to be out of group

Characteristics of ethnocentric syndrome include:

• in-group pride

• judgement

• lack of empathy

• stereotyping

• exaggeration of “bad” characteristics

• ignoring history

• mistrust

• fear

• ignoring individualism

• scapegoating

Self-awareness is important because:

it can keep one’s perceptual, cognitive and behavioral processes from detrimentally affecting

inter-group relations

In cross-cultural counseling literature the aforementioned issues surface in terms of the

effects of projection, transference, counter-transference , resistance and defensive reactions. We will

look at effects and then some skill areas to deal with cross-cultural

issues.

Projection involves:attributing to others the characteristics that are in fact

derived from our own assumptions

Transference is:a concept used in a therapeutic relationship

response to an individual based on patterns of relationships in the past

Counter-transference occurs when:

a helping professional responds to a client based upon patterns of previous experience with individuals of

similar background

Resistance may be:a form of misinterpretation of cultural differences

Defense mechanisms are psychological reactions designed to maintain psychological stability and

integration in the face of stress. Subordinate populations use a

variety of defense mechanisms to buffer the stress of relationships

with the dominant group. (Winkelman, 2005)

Defense mechanisms include:

• Self-hatred

• Denial

• Acceptance

• Obsessive sensitivity

• Ego enhancement

• Aggression

Hogan (2007) proposed that there are four main skill areas of cultural competence for individuals in the helping professions. The remainder

of class notes will focus on the first three of these areas and use them to (hopefully) tie together the previous class discussions.

Skill 1: “Understanding Culture as Multilevel”

Culture is both subjective and objective:

subjective: meaning systems often unrecognized by those in the culture

objective: patterned behaviors and habits

The levels of interaction

MicroMesoExo

Macro

Personal culture and culture being multileveled:

• personal identity (each is complex)

• reactions are influenced by previous experiences and interpretations (at all levels)

Skill 2: “Understanding the Barriers”

Personal / Interpersonal Barriers to relationship:

• Language (verbal and nonverbal)

• Stereotypes

• Discrimination

• Judgment

• Stress

Organizational / Institutional Barriers:

• Policy, Procedures, Programs

• Gender Issues

Assumptions of U.S. National Culture about Diversity:

• The U.S. is a meritocracy

• Americans do not have a culture

• If it is different, it is wrong

• Do not talk about diversity

• Do not admit prejudice

Skill 3:”Practicing Culturally Centered

Communication Skills”

• 1. Be nonjudgmental

• 2. Be flexible

• 3. Be resourceful

• 4. Personalize observations

• 5. Pay attention to thoughts and feelings

• 6. and 7. Listen attentively / observe carefully

14 Personal Directives:• 8. Assume complexity

• 9. Tolerate the stress of uncertainty

• 10. Have patience

• 11. Manage personal habits

• 12. Keep a sense of humor

• 13. Show respect

• 14. Show empathy

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How can the dialogue process be started with personal directives?

• premise that each person will focus on listening and learning the other’s viewpoint

• acknowledge desire to understand, resolve

• all parties are involved

• everyone is allowed full expression of thoughts and feelings

• environment must be safe for exchange to take place

What should be done to recover if (and when) conflict occurs?

• acknowledge issue

• discuss options

• if necessary get a mediator

• re-establish trust

• be active to address problems

How can you foster lifelong competency skills?

• focus on self-awareness

• accept differences

• learn about culture(s)

• foster relationships

• take opportunities

• work on skills

“The World in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you, they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” - Wade Davis

Different Individuals Valuing Each other Regardless of Skin Intellect Talents or Years