What is multicultural competence? Is it the ability to create meaning in communication? Is it being able to embrace difference and yet have a sense of belonging? 

Cultural competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency or among professionals and enable that system, agency or those professions to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. (Cross et al, 1989). 

Cultural competence is a developmental process that evolves over an extended period. Both individuals and organizations are at various levels of awareness, knowledge and skills along the cultural competence continuum. 

My personal view is that multi- or transnational competence has alot to do with the ability to create meaning by observing and interacting with persons, systems, entities or organisations in cultural settings which differ from our norm.