Definitions of multicultural competence: Frontline human service providers' perspective

In this qualitative study, the authors explored definitions of multicultural competence given by 99 frontline human service providers. The providers had no formal training in counseling but served in a helping role. Seven thematic definitions emerged: color blindness, client focused, acknowledgment of cultural differences, textbook consistent, resource driven, skills-based, and self-integrated. Implications for multicultural competence are discussed.