The Impact of Cultural Intelligence on Social Skills among University Students

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impact of cultural intelligence on social skills among the students of the School of Physical Education and Sports. The research population consists of randomly selected 377 students. As data collection tools, the study uses Cultural Intelligence Scale, Social Skills Inventory and "Personal Information Form". The data obtained through the Personal Information Form, Cultural Intelligence Scale and Social Skills Inventory was statistically analyzed using SPSS 20.0 package program. The information about and inventory total scores of the candidates and factor points were presented by finding frequency (f) and percentage (%) values. Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis (r) was performed to indicate the relationship between the points obtained from the scales while multiple regression analysis was performed to identify whether the points are predictor of each other. (β)
 
 In the study, we found positive significant relationships between cultural intelligence dimensions -cognitive, metacognitive, motivational and behavioural skills- and social skills dimensions -emotional expressivity, emotional sensitivity, emotional control, social expressivity, social sensitivity and social control. An examination of the prediction of social skills by cultural intelligence reveals that cognitive, metacognitive, motivational and behavioural dimensions are predictor of social skills, and students’ social skills improve with the increase in their cultural intelligence level. 
 
 Consequently, the significance of cultural intelligence and social skills is increasingly growing for maintaining successful, healthy and peaceful relationships between people. Individuals with higher cultural intelligence and sociability are expected to be more active in the education system while having a high level of willingness in learning activities. Particularly in the universities where various cultures coexist, students who can establish social relationships with their friends and professors will be more successful and enthusiastic about accepting positions to participate in international activities. The development of cultural intelligence and social skills will naturally improve students in social and cultural aspects, thus contributing to form the basis of a healthier world. For these reasons, it will be useful to provide training that enhance social skills in educational and training settings and carry out activities that increase interaction with other cultures such as student exchange programs and overseas educational tours in order to enhance cultural intelligence level.