Masculinity and Uncertainty Avoidance as Instruments for Cultural Intelligence Development

Abstract

This paper shows how students' perception on the dominance of masculinity values and uncertainty avoidance characteristics relates with the level of students' cultural intelligence. In order to examine the phenomena, the research was conducted on a sample of 146 exchange programme students (ERASMUS exchange programme). The results indicate a positive and significant correlation between the variables uncertainty avoidance and determinants of cultural intelligence. Furthermore, the obtained results indicate a negative correlation between students' perception on dominance of masculinity values and metacognitive and motivational cultural intelligence, while relationships with cognitive and behavioural cultural intelligence were statistically non-significant. The results of this study can help teachers, researchers, and economic and social policy makers to build educational models that will help students develop an awareness of cultural disparities. As a result, individuals will be able to focus their efforts on developing and shaping the individual mental dimensions necessary for successful adaptation to the international environment.