I am a firm believer that Cultural intelligence, or CQ, is a crucial skill set for navigating our increasingly globalized world. Research over the past couple of decades continues to demonstrate that individuals with high levels of CQ have better job performance and are more effective in cross-cultural interactions (Earley & Ang, 2003; Van Dyne, Ang, & Tan, 2019). I’m sure you all know this and that the reason why you’re reading this article is that you want to know how you can develop CQ and strengthen your personal and professional development.
Today we are going to discuss some of the key components of cultural intelligence and provide evidence-based tips on how you can begin to work on and develop your CQ capabilities. Who’s excited? I know I sure am!
1. Cognitive CQ
First, we are going to introduce cognitive CQ. Cognitive CQ refers to a person's knowledge and understanding of different cultures. This is interchangeable with CQ Knowledge from David Livermore’s model of the 4 CQ capabilities. Knowledge in this sense is the recognition and understanding of cultural norms, values, beliefs, and customs. You can develop this capability by exposing yourself to diverse cultures and staying informed about global issues. Findings by many researchers have led to a general consensus that an effective way to develop cognitive CQ is through engaging in various activities such as reading books, articles, and blogs about different cultures, watching documentaries or movies, attending cultural events, or taking a cultural awareness training course. These activities will allow you to learn more about other cultures through a variety of mediums to help you imagine yourself in the midst of those cultures.
2. Physical CQ
Next we have physical CQ. Physical CQ refers to a person's ability to adapt to different physical environments. In other words, this looks at your ability to assimilate to a new cultural environment. Assimilation behaviors include adapting to different climates, food, living conditions, and transportation systems. These behaviors require CQ Drive and rely on high CQ Action.
Social scientists Early and Mosakowski have concluded from their research that travel to foreign countries is a particularly effective way to develop physical CQ, as it provides first hand experience in navigating unfamiliar environments. I would like to argue that this only holds true if you travel to a place with an open mind and an eagerness to submerge yourself into the way of living life in the new place. It is very easy to stay in your comfort zone when you travel.
For example, some American students that I taught during a study abroad program in London refused to take local transportation. Instead they used Uber ($$$). Their reasoning was that they were afraid for their safety and did not feel confident in their ability to try something new, like taking the tube. Or how often do you see British people in mainland Europe on a holiday and they are almost always at the local British or Irish pub rather than out enjoying local bars and restaurants? You’d be surprised as this is more common than you think.
3. Emotional CQ
Next is emotional CQ. Emotional CQ refers to a person's ability to manage emotions when interacting with people from different cultures. Emotional CQ requires us to be aware of and control our emotions, as well as to be sensitive to and empathetic towards the emotions of others. Building relationships across cultures requires empathy, active listening, and the ability to recognize and adapt to cultural differences in communication styles and nonverbal cues.
As we see here, it is critical to tap into your CQ Knowledge and determine whether the person or group of people you are interacting with value expressiveness or prefer to not openly express their feelings. You can also research how certain emotions or facial expressions can be perceived by other cultures so that not only are you aware of your emotions but you are aware of your body language and how you express yourself nonverbally. Some researchers suggest practicing mindfulness or meditation can be effective in developing emotional CQ, as there are many links that demonstrate that such activities can help you become more aware of your emotional state and be better equipped to manage them (Yi, Li, & Liang, 2015).
4. Behavioral CQ
Behavioral CQ refers to a person's ability to adjust their behavior to fit different cultural contexts. This is a component of CQ Action from Livermore’s 4 CQ Capabilities. It includes adapting to different communication styles, social norms, and etiquette. To improve in this area, research suggests that observing and imitating the behavior of individuals from different cultures can be effective in developing behavioral CQ (Ang et al., 2019). However, one must be very careful that their mirroring of cultural behaviors and expressions do not offend the other person. It must be done genuinely and respectfully with an awareness to how the other person is responding to your attempts to match their behavior.
I must note that this element of CQ is not about giving up who you are and what cultural preferences you value. This is about adapting and meeting the other people part way to demonstrate your respect towards them and to build trust. Improving your behavioral CQ requires a willingness to be flexible and adapt to new cultural norms and expectations, while also maintaining a sense of authenticity and integrity.
5. Motivational CQ
Motivational CQ refers to a person's willingness and ability to engage in cross-cultural interactions. In other words, this is your CQ Drive. Behaviors that result from high CQ Drive or from being highly motivated by cultural experiences include being curious about and interested in learning about different cultures, as well as being willing to step outside of your comfort zone to interact with people from different backgrounds.As Dr. Johorey puts it "developing cultural intelligence requires a growth mindset and a willingness to learn and adapt to new cultural norms and expectations."
In order to get out of your comfort zone, we encourage study abroad programs or participating in cross-cultural exchange programs. Research has demonstrated that these types of multicultural programs can be effective in developing motivational CQ, because they expose you to diverse cultural perspectives and provide you with opportunities for cross-cultural interaction (Ang et al., 2019).
So What?
Years of research highlights the importance of developing cultural intelligence as a valuable skill set for effectively navigating cross-cultural interactions. By focusing on developing cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral, and motivational CQ, you can improve your ability to comprehend, adapt to, and find value in cultural differences. By taking evidence-based steps to develop cultural intelligence, you can become more effective communicators, collaborators, and leaders in our increasingly diverse and globalized world.
Please comment any thoughts or questions that you may have. As always, Like. Comment. Share. Subscribe.
References:
Earley, P. C., & Ang, S. (2003). Cultural intelligence: Individual interactions across cultures. Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University Press.
Earley, P. C., & Mosakowski, E. (2004). Cultural intelligence. Harvard Business Review, 82(10), 139-146.
Ang, S. & Van Dyne, Linn & Tan, Mei Ling. (2011). Cultural intelligence. Cambridge handbook on intelligence. 582-602. 10.1017/CBO9780511977244.030.