Developing multicultural competence helps you communicate and interact effectively and positively with diverse individuals and groups in a diverse society. This multicultural competence continuum includes a series of steps used to define various levels of awareness, sensitivity, and competence in dealing with people of various cultures.

Cultural Destructiveness	Cultural Blindness	Cultural Awareness	Cultural Sensitivity	Multicultural Competence
Making people fit the same cultural pattern, and excluding those that don't fit—forced assimilation. Emphasis on using differences as barriers.	Not seeing or believing there are cultural differences among people. "Everyone is the same."	Being aware that we live and f unction within a culture of our own and that our identity is shaped by it.	Knowing that there are cultural differences and understanding and accepting different cultural values, attitudes, and behaviors.	Having the capacity to communicate and interact effectively with culturally diverse people, integrating elements of their culture— vocabulary, values, attitudes, rules, and norms. Translation of knowledge into action.