Cross-Cultural Competence (3C)
One could deduce from the data presented in the previous sections that cross-cultural competence
generally entails:
• An understanding of other people’s ways of thinking and acting (not just their governance
systems or linguistic traditions), which requires:
– on-going and active learning (including self-critique),
– the recognition and acceptance of diversity as inevitable;
• The conversion of this knowledge into action through:
– the cultivation of positive behaviours in particular circumstances,
– the ability to adapt and integrate awareness to action;
• A balance between specialization and generalization, such as:
– solid understanding of the culture concept as opposed to expertise in a particular culture,
– linguistic abilities versus a recognition of the importance of language and/or ability to
effectively use a translator;
• A desire to increase legitimacy, quality, and efficiency of service and the profession;
• Policies that recognize the importance of 3C and link it to the professional ethos.
• Implicitly there is also a requirement for the profession to impart this competence to
members through education and training.
These provide an inkling of what military cross-cultural competence might be understood as, yet
they clearly require some modification to be relevant to the profession-of-arms. I propose that for
the profession of arms, 3C is:
The ability to quickly and accurately comprehend, then appropriately and effectively engage
individuals from distinct cultural backgrounds to achieve the desired effect.
(1) Despite not having an in-depth knowledge of the other culture, and
(2) Even though fundamental aspects of the other culture may contradict one’s own
taken-for-granted assumptions/deeply-h