The negative can be positive for cultural competence

Abstract

The trend of globalization has provoked a wide discussion with regard to cultural competence. In studies regarding cultural competence, researchers have often focused on the positive aspect in order to acquire insights and implications for other practitioners. However, intercultural dynamics involve multiple individuals with diverse backgrounds, for whom these positive aspects convey only a part of their cultural competence. Whereas, in the literature, individuals' negative feelings are often treated as problems that need to be solved and cured, the purpose of this article is to elaborate on the need to include individuals' reactions and emotional feelings in research regarding cultural competence.

Key words:

• Cultural competence
• international HRD
• intercultural research
• expatriate workers