How to be an interculturally sensitive observer.
Intercultural sensitivity, also known as the awareness, development, and ability of subjective cultural contexts, is sometimes considered to be a precursor to intercultural competence, which is the behavioral aspect of existing in a multicultural environment.
Intercultural sensitivity can be divided into stages that one goes through when viewing, thinking about, and interpreting events from the perspective of intercultural differences.
Curiosity, on the other hand, seems to lie at both of these notions’ founding moments, although one might argue that one of them came before. This article will discuss ten suggestions for developing your curiosity in the context of intercultural sensitivity. These suggestions are organized into three categories: cognitive abilities, emotional capabilities, and behavioral skills.
10 Guidelines for fostering an increased sense of wonder and discovery
We need to place our attention on the following in order to cultivate our own sense of intercultural curiosity, to develop the ability to interact sensitively and to behave competently, effectively, and appropriately across and within various cultural contexts, and we need to do all of this in order to:
Develop your ability to see things more clearly.
Investigate and analyze your own perspective of cross-cultural encounters in order to exercise a wider interpretation of your abilities, knowledge, and attitudes in a variety of settings.
Develop diverse views
Develop additional standpoints, based on these competencies, that go beyond what you have grown up in, learned, or been taught. These should go beyond what you have been raised in, learned, or taught.
Raise the threshold for the amount of uncertainty you can tolerate.
Knowing your own culture (cultural self-awareness) in comparison to other cultures (for example, reflected and experienced through communication styles and cultural values) can lead to a greater understanding of cultural generalizations without leading to stereotyping, which can lead to increased tolerance of cultural differences.
posing questions that are sensitive to various cultural norms and expectations
Maintain vigilance for the emotions of patients as well as any potential behavioral variances, and make sure to be attentive when asking patients questions that are culturally acceptable.
In order to assist bridge the gap that exists between the value system of the patient, which is comprised of their beliefs and practices, and the culture of medicine, it is important to ask questions in a sympathetic manner and to avoid abruptly closing off lines of inquir
Taking up roles as participants or observers depending on the situation
In order to provide organized chances for participants to discuss their responses and sentiments, the amount of stress they have been subjected to, or even the discoveries they have made, participants should first observe and reflect.
The process of developing an analytically curious mindset
Every single experience is one of a kind, and they all contribute to a deeper comprehension of the significance of individual distinctions. This, in turn, allows one to acquire a more comprehensive level of comprehension. Recognize the boundaries of your understanding and comprehension, and make room in your life for cultural awe and wonder.
Evaluating the reliability of our sources from other cultures
Gather information from a variety of sources, and compare it, but try not to form an opinion about it just yet. This is the best practice for any project or research endeavor you undertake.
Make a positive contribution to the AO way of thinking
Every patient interaction, whether it takes place at AO or in the settings of your own practice, is a chance to have a beneficial impact on the patient’s overall health. However, intentional and developmental attitudes can lead to intercultural sensitivity and competence, which is a cornerstone of the AO.
Cultural contact does not automatically lead to competence; however, this can be achieved through the AO. 2
Practice cultural humility
The ability to self-evaluate and self-critique may lead to better power balances in the patient-physician dynamic, which can make it possible for patients and doctors to have interactions that are beneficial to both parties.
Put your own preconceptions, opinions, and assessments of worth to the side.
The perspectives of individuals can be influenced by culture, which can lead to individuals making assumptions, having expectations, and believing certain things, all of which can potentially lead to conflict and disputes.
