Journal: Developing Cultural Competence - BUSM 4504, Semester 1 2019

This journal entry discusses the importance of cultural competence in the workplace, emphasizing the value of understanding differences and promoting equality. It highlights the role of effective communication, sensitivity, and respect in fostering a positive organizational culture. The author reflects on global reconciliation efforts, such as those in Libya and Australia, and connects these to the need for organizations to recognize and accommodate diverse cultural traditions. The journal suggests that HR departments should take the lead in developing cultural competence through training, policy updates, and open communication, ultimately leading to improved employee performance and value addition for the company. Desklib provides access to similar solved assignments and resources for students.

Developing Cultural Competence
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Table of contents
Journal entries..................................................................................................................................2
Reference.........................................................................................................................................3
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Journal entries
‘Understanding differences can only help someone understand the equality’. I think Culture is
something which is vivid to each and it is a factor which changes every passing day.
Understanding differences, one’s identity and competencies help any organization to focus on
objectives. It is highly important to make an employee realize his or her value in the
organization. An organization is nothing but a team of people from various background having
different values, ethics, understanding (Baker, 2015). Listening and understanding them would
help to link to the position he or she is perfect for inside the company. This will ultimately drive
to better performance of the company. I think Communicating effectively can help picture the
big, more prominently. It can improve my sensitivity, respect and sensitivity factors towards
others and this can improve my future as I will be more empathetic toward the workers.
On 31st march 2019, Libyan Reconciliation talks to take place in July in Ethiopia’s capital. The
country has years-long conflict which results no single government. I think this Reconciliation is
a great way to focus. One’s view can be compatible to another provided it is linked in the correct
way. Australia had started in reconciling plans recently. The indigenous natives in the 18th
century had to go through real hardships as the Europeans were settling more in Australia. Today
the Australian government has realized the importance of the mis-happening done years ago and
is upgrading the legislations, proving help to the indigenous people and helping them to gain
recognition. I think Libya has taken charge, thought of the facts and taken a great step for
development in the future. I am happy that different parts of the world is taking active steps
toward realization.
On March 19, 2019, there is a news that the south-east business leaders are taking active steps
and their organizations are taking active steps towards achieving equality in the organization. I
think the HR should be responsible in developing organizational culture through training,
sessions, policy up gradation and finally reviewing these. I think the company should understand
the value of one’s culture and agree for an unpaid leave if required by the tradition. Sorry day is
celebrated in Australia, considered as mourning time according to tradition, which may be
illogical to other culture but is highly valuable and traditional according to Australians
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(Commonground.org.au, 2019). I think organizations should communicate with individuals to
understand the value of the culture which in turn will increase the performance and value
addition for the company.
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Reference
Commonground.org.au. (2019). Death and Sorry Business. [online] Available at:
https://www.commonground.org.au/learn/death-and-sorry-business [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019].
Baker, W., 2015. Research into practice: Cultural and intercultural awareness. Language
Teaching, 48(1), pp.130-141.
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