Recent Research on Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

In this program of research, we have developed and validated a practical 20-item scale to measure Cultural Intelligence. The scale is based on an extension of the conceptual work of Earley and Ang (2003) and includes the four-factors of Cultural Intelligence.

To date, this work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Research Findings

Initial research results are promising, as summarized below.

Performance related results:

CQ predicts cultural judgment and decision-making (CJDM) and task performance.

More important, CQ increases our understanding of these performance outcomes over and above demographic characteristics, general cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, and openness to experience.

In other words, even after accounting for the effects of these other predictors, CQ further increases our ability to predict and understand decision-making performance.

Thus, those who have higher CQ are more effective at making decisions about inter-cultural situations.

Adjustment related results:

CQ predicts adjustment in situations characterized by cultural diversity.

As with predictions for CJDM, research shows that CQ adds explanatory power over and above demographic characteristics, general cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, cross-cultural competence, and openness to experience.

In sum, higher CQ capabilities are positively related to feeling adjusted in situations characterized by cultural diversity.

Ang, S., Van Dyne, L., Koh, C.K.S., Ng, K.Y., Templer, K.J., Tay, C., & Chandrasekar, N.A. (in press). Cultural intelligence: Its measurement and effects on cultural judgment and decision making, cultural adaptation, and task performance.  Management and Organization Review.  Click here to download the paper (PDF 249KB)