Cultivating Cultural Competence

Abstract

Cultural competence is a complex and contested notion. Yet, cultural competence remains integral to working with difference in the context of evaluation practice. Given its status in evaluation practice, the field’s commitment to cultural competence prompts the need for further interrogation and reconsideration. Accordingly, this paper explores the establishment and conceptualization of cultural competence. Potential challenges to cultural competence are also examined. In consideration of these challenges, an alternative framework is offered based on the philosophy of Emanuel Levinas. This work aims to support the evaluation community’s ability to work with cultural diversity, a vital aspect of evaluation practice.