Cultural Intelligence in Organizational Contexts and Human Resource Management

Abstract

Throughout the past decade, the concept of cultural intelligence (CQ) has garnered increasing attention from researchers and professionals due to its importance in the world in which we live. In this scenario, understanding why some individuals adapt more effectively than others to different cultural situations has become a research goal with fascinating theoretical and practical implications in organizational life. This chapter introduces the concept and summarizes research about the topic, emphasizing relevant aspects for human resources professionals. It is structured as follows: (1) the benefits of a cross-cultural perspective in organizations; (2) concept of cultural intelligence; (3) measurement of cultural intelligence; (4) nomological network; (5) cultural intelligence and global leadership; and, (6) cultural intelligence related to negotiation. It concludes with a brief summary of theoretical, practical, and empirical implications of cultural intelligence in organizations.