The ability to work successfully across cultures is crucial for employers. This is called "cultural competence" (a term coined by social worker Terry Cross, MSW, in 1988). Cultural competency can be applied to an organization or an individual employee. Here is what it means for you: Possessing a set of behaviors and attitudes that allow you to work effectively with people, no matter what their background. When you meet fellow workers or customers, each one has unique thoughts, communication styles, customs, beliefs, biases, and values. For your organization to fulfill your mission, only you can take charge of removing personal barriers that may stand in the way and that lead to ignoring, overlooking, or being "culturally blind" to these dynamics. Cultural competence is not "one shot", now I know it" idea. It's an ongoing process of increasing ability and capacity.