What element is NOT part of the triad defining cultural competence?

Cultural competence is defined by a triad consisting of awareness, knowledge, and skills. These three elements work together to help individuals and organizations understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across diverse cultures.

Awareness entails recognizing one's own cultural biases and understanding how these can affect interactions with others. Knowledge refers to the understanding of different cultural practices, values, and worldviews, which is essential for effective communication and service delivery. Skills involve the ability to apply this awareness and knowledge in practical settings, enabling individuals to work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations.

Tradition, while it plays a significant role in culture itself, is not one of the core elements that define cultural competence in the context of the triad. Understanding specific traditions may enhance one’s knowledge base, but it is not an independent component. Hence, the correct answer identifies tradition as the element that does not belong to the defining characteristics of cultural competence.