The concept of 'cultural intelligence' (CQ), first introduced by Earley and Ang in 2003, has gained significant traction in organizational psychology. Unlike emotional intelligence, which focuses on interpersonal skills within a familiar cultural context, CQ specifically addresses an individual's capability to function effectively across diverse cultural settings. It comprises four distinct dimensions: metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral. The metacognitive component involves conscious awareness during intercultural interactions, while the cognitive aspect refers to knowledge of norms and practices in different cultures. Motivational CQ reflects the drive to adapt, and behavioral CQ pertains to the flexibility of verbal and non-verbal actions. Research indicates that high CQ is a stronger predictor of cross-cultural job performance than general cognitive ability, particularly in multinational teams where misunderstandings often arise from unspoken cultural assumptions rather than language barriers.
❓ According to the passage, what distinguishes cultural intelligence from emotional intelligence?
A. CQ is more focused on interpersonal skills in familiar settings.
B. CQ specifically addresses effectiveness in diverse cultural contexts.
C. CQ includes only cognitive and motivational components.
D. CQ is less important than general cognitive ability in multinational teams.
✅ Correct Answer
B. B. CQ specifically addresses effectiveness in diverse cultural contexts.
