The Culturally Competent Organization

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, organizations need to actively work to foster diversity. This is important because it is the just response to an uneven playing field, because the rapidly changing demographics in the United States demand that institutions be responsive if they are to survive, and because heterogeneous groups are more effective than homogeneous groups. Culturally competent organizations—whether they are schools, colleges, or libraries—have three elements in common: (1) they foster the access and success of diverse students, consumers, and employees, (2) they promote a positive, welcoming, and affirming climate for all, and (3) they infuse diverse perspectives throughout the substantive work of the organization, for example, in the educational curricula and library programming.