An extended conceptualization of cultural intelligence

Abstract

Cultural Intelligence (CQ) has gained prominence as a vital attribute for organizational managers, encompassing their ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts effectively. However, despite its acknowledged significance, the relationships among its dimensions need to be better understood. This paper contributes to the existing CQ literature in two ways. First, we propose a model of CQ that integrates elements from previous conceptualizations, separating the motivational component. Our proposed framework retains the metacognitive, cognitive, and behavioral CQ dimensions but does not assume predefined relationships among them. Instead, we demonstrate that metacognitive CQ positively influences cognitive and behavioral CQ. Second, this paper explores the culture-specificity of the applications of CQ dimensions. We challenge the prevailing notion that CQ applications are culture-neutral, offering initial evidence to the contrary. Our research contributes to refining CQ conceptualization and provides practical insights for recruiting and developing internationally oriented managers with a strong emphasis on their CQ enhancement. Ultimately, this study addresses the pressing need to unravel the intricate dynamics of CQ and its dimensions, enhancing our understanding of its role in international management effectiveness.