Cultural Intelligence: What It Is and Why You Need It!
Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the capability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations. It goes beyond existing notions of cultural sensitivity and awareness to highlight a theoretically-based set of capabilities needed to successfully and respectfully accomplish your objectives in culturally diverse settings.
Research on cultural intelligence, which to-date spans 98 countries and over 55,000 individuals, demonstrates those with cultural intelligence have skills in four capabilities.
What is CQ?
Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the capability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations. Going beyond existing notions of cultural sensitivity and awareness, it is important to identify the recurring capabilities of individuals who can successfully and respectfully accomplish their objectives, whatever the cultural context. Awareness is the first step, but it’s not enough. A culturally intelligent individual is not only aware but can also effectively work and relate with people and projects across different cultural contexts.
Our research on cultural intelligence, which to date spans 98 countries and over 55,000 individuals, finds that the culturally intelligent have developed skills in four capabilities.
As a Staffing Manager at Google, I’m focused on driving a rigorous hiring process. CQ must be part of that process.
Nic Weatherhead, Google Recruiter, Singapore
Why is CQ Important?
For most organizations, the greatest opportunities for growth involve expanding into new markets at home and abroad. Fortune 500 companies expect that their greatest revenue streams over the next decade will come from emerging markets, and top universities are recruiting students from around the world and from groups previously underrepresented on campus. Organizations with culturally intelligent students and staff are more likely to accomplish their mission in today’s multicultural, globalized world.
How We Can Help
Learning and Development Programs
Innovative, engaging workshops and courses based upon research, which are brought-to-life using learning strategies that are effective for learners globally (face-to-face, virtually, online, etc.).
Resources
Training aids, books, online materials, etc. to assist the ongoing development of cultural intelligence and intercultural performance.
Assessment Tools and Reports
Online assessments providing individuals and organizations with personalized and aggregate findings. This includes tracking and analyzing organizational and/or departmental norms versus the global norms of similar companies.
Audits and Strategic Roadmaps
Needs assessment and strategic plan for developing a culturally intelligent organization.