Cultural intelligence

Cultural intelligence or cultural quotient (CQ), refers to an individual's capability to function effectively in culturally diverse settings. The concept was introduced by London Business School professor P. Christopher Earley and Nanyang Business School professor Soon Ang in 2003.

While cultural intelligence is comparable to emotional intelligence (EQ), individuals with a high EQ can grasp "what makes us human and, at the same time, what makes each of us different from one another." In contrast, individuals with a high CQ can discern universal, individual, and non-idiosyncratic features within the behavior of a person or group. The authors cited cognitive, behavioral, motivational, and metacognitive (higher-level reflection) aspects of cultural intelligence.

Four CQ capabilities

The authors described four CQ capabilities: motivation (CQ Drive), cognition (CQ Knowledge), meta-cognition (CQ Strategy), and behavior (CQ Action). CQ Assessments report scores on all four capabilities as well as several sub-dimensions for each capability. Among the four capabilities, motivational CQ, or the interest and enjoyment in cross-cultural interactions, has been identified as a key resource or determinant that enhances personal functioning in cross-cultural environments, leading to improved intercultural adjustment and performance.

See also

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References

Further reading

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* Ang, S. and Van Dyne L (eds). (2008) "The Handbook of Cultural Intelligence." New York: ME Sharpe
* Livermore, David A. (2011). "The Cultural Intelligence Difference." New York: AMACOM
* Middleton, Julia (2014). "Cultural Intelligence: CQ: The Competitive Edge for Leaders Crossing Borders." London: A&C Black Business Information and Development

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Cultural concepts
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Multiculturalism
Organizational behavior
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