CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE AND WORK ENGAGEMENT OF EXPATRIATES: MODERATING ROLE OF SUPPORTING PRACTICES

Abstract

Cultural intelligence (CQ) has gained significant role in research on expatriates. However, few studies include aspects as work engagement and supporting practices in cross-cultural management research. The growing number of multinationals and international assignments lead both expatriates and host country nationals to experience complex cultural, racial, and religious diversity that pose greater challenges to human resource managers. This study aims to examine the relationship between CQ of HCNs and their impact on expatriates’ work engagement, with the presence of supporting practices as a moderating factor. The results indicate that high level of HCNs’ CQ is related to an increase in employee involvement. Furthermore, it is found that two facets of ESP, financial and career ESP, had a negatively moderating effect on the positive relationship between two variables.