The Impacts of Language Proficiency, Emotional Intelligence, and International Experience on Cultural Intelligence

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the conceptual foundation of cultural intelligence (CQ) as well as the relationships between CQ and its antecedents. This study empirically examined whether cultural intelligence (CQ) could be developed through high proficiency in a host-country language, possessions of high levels of emotional intelligence (EQ), and the length of international experience. Results demonstrated that language proficiency, emotional intelligence, and international experience predicted overall CQ, with differential relationships for the four dimensions of CQ. More specifically, both language proficiency and emotional intelligence were positively related to all four facets of CQ (metacognitive, cognitive, motivational and behavioral CQ) while international experience were positively related to metacognitive, motivational, and behavioral CQ.