Cultural Intelligence and Workplace Inclusion

Abstract

Increasing diversity in workgroups and workplaces has accentuated the importance of inclusion, which allows to leverage diversity such that distinct perspectives and approaches are recognized and respected, flexibility and synergy are encouraged, information and resources are equitably available, and everyone can contribute. This work makes a case that the very concept of inclusion in diverse workgroups and workplaces might be viewed and enacted differently by diverse members due to variations in their culturally-shaped perceptions and behaviors. It is suggested that to reconcile these variations in perceptions and behaviors to achieve greater inclusion in workgroups and organizations, individuals must develop cultural intelligence (CQ) that will allow them to be aware of differences, adjust and regulate their perspectives and approaches to fit diverse contexts, have flexibility and empathy to be able to learn from interactions with different others, and contribute. Implications for research and practice will also be considered.