Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which term refers to an organization's ability to value diversity and become culturally competent?

1. Practicing diversity

2. Organizing diversity

3. Leveraging diversity

4. Promoting diversity

The correct answer is: Leveraging diversity

The correct answer highlights the term that captures the essence of an organization not just recognizing diversity but actively utilizing and integrating diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to enhance operational effectiveness and community engagement. Leveraging diversity involves strategically harnessing the strengths that come from a varied workforce to improve problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making processes. This concept emphasizes an active approach where diversity is seen as an asset rather than a challenge, allowing organizations to create environments that reflect cultural competence and adaptability. It encompasses training, policies, and practices that encourage inclusivity and the value of different viewpoints, leading to improved organizational outcomes and relationships with diverse populations. While the other terms touch on various aspects of diversity, they lack the proactive dimension implied in "leveraging." For instance, practicing diversity might suggest a focus on inclusion without necessarily enhancing cultural competence or operational advantages. Organizing diversity might relate more to structuring an inclusive framework but doesn't emphasize maximizing its benefits. Similarly, promoting diversity tends to focus on advocacy rather than effectively utilizing the diversity present within the organization. Thus, leveraging diversity is the term that most accurately represents the active enhancement of cultural competency and organizational success through valuing diversity.