Language, cultural intelligence and expatriate success

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how cultural intelligence (CQ) and language proficiency are related to cross‐cultural adjustment, expatriate satisfaction, and expatriate desires towards the future, to further what is known about CQ.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey was developed and administered to 140 native English‐speaking expatriates living in Japan who were participating in the Japan Exchange and Teaching program. The survey was designed to measure CQ, language proficiency, cross‐cultural adjustment, satisfaction with their work and life in Japan, and their attitudes towards future expatriate assignments.FindingsIn total, there were eight criterion variables used in the study. Results from a series of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the four CQ factors and language proficiency to various degrees were able to predict the various criterion variables. Motivational CQ was the only predictor variable that was able to predict all criterion variables.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides solid quantitative research into CQ. However, since the data come from self‐report surveys, its limitations in terms of common method bias are recognized.Practical implicationsThis study identifies both language ability and CQ as predictive of expatriate adjustment. This information enables organizations to better prepare their members for expatriate assignments.Originality/valueAlthough prior research has investigated a number of these issues separately on various types of samples, this paper is the first to combine all the variables into one study using expatriates.