Cultural Intelligence Concept - Article Example

Cultural Intelligence Cultural Intelligence Cultural Intelligence is relatively new concept that refers to the capability of a person to function effectively in a culturally diverse environment (Ang 2008).The study of cultural intelligence is important and relevant because it enables us to understand the factors that influence cultural intelligence, its development and applicability of cultural intelligence to transitions between cultures and global business operations. This article focuses on intelligence as a concept that leads to the development of social, emotional and cultural intelligence. Included in the article are the difference between CQ and EQ, the history of CQ, its development and limitations. Recent Definitions and Theories in Cultural Intelligence Historical Accounts on Intelligence Cultural intelligence is a relatively recent concept. Research on intelligence led to the identification and development of social, emotional and cultural intelligence. Researchers defined intelligence as the ability to grasp concepts and solve problems particularly in an academic setting (Ang 2008).Later, it became apparent that intelligence exists beyond the classroom setting. According to Francis Galton, human intelligence is a low-level property of the nervous system that children inherit from parents (Mackintosh 2011).Galton believed that differences in individual intelligence resulted from differences in the operation of simple neural processes. Galton supported this theory by constructing extensive family trees of ‘Persons of Reputation’, which he later published in 1869.In his publication called, Hereditary Genius; he identifies the family trees of renowned famous artists, authors, poets and scientists in order to support his theory (Mackintosh 2011). A number of theories were derived in an attempt to comprehend intelligence. The unitary theory defined cognitive intelligence as the core determinant of how an individual behaves in the society. The theory defined general intelligence as a concept that entails pervasive capacities (Plum 2007).This simple theory was later contested by Thordonke. Thordonke developed the multifactor theory that attributed intelligence as a result of a specific stimuli (Earley & Tan 2006).The group factor theory by Thurtone also seeks to define intelligence. According to Thurtone, individual intelligence is influenced by mental operations that constitute a primary factor. This primary factor results in psychological and functional unity that are different from other mental operations. Thordonke argued that intelligence advanced with the increase in age and differences in abilities (Earley & Tan 2006). The growing interest in intelligence resulted in the evolution of the concept. As a result, various categories of intelligence were identified. These categories are such as social intelligence, emotional intelligence, practical intelligence and cultural intelligence (Ang 2008).Cultural intelligence resulted from globalization in the workplace, which resulted from the existence of inter-cultural domains (Ang 2008). Emotional and Social Intelligence Over the years, the notion of intelligence as a single measure of competence could no longer be supported (Goleman &Boyatzis 2013).This resulted in the identification of various categories of intelligence such as emotional intelligence and social intelligence. There is a difference between social and emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence refers to individual ability to identify ones emotions and those of others for the purpose of managing our emotions and ensuring healthy relationships with others (Goleman 1998).According to Goleman, emotions are critical when it comes to thinking clearly and making the right decisions. The author states that inability to control emotions inhibits intellect. Goleman states that human beings consist of two minds, that is, the rational mind and the emotional mind. The two are used in order to operate normally and to make accurate decisions in life. Social intelligence refers to the individual’s ability to become socially aware thus managing their relationships intellectually. It is defined as the ability to coexist with others and consists of a set of practical skills that enable people to interact successfully in any setting(Albrecht 2006).Albrecht identifies skills such as situational awareness, authenticity and empathy as core skills in enabling peaceful interaction in the society(Albrecht 2006).The difference between the two levels of intelligence is that emotional intelligence is based on the individual’s ability to master their own emotions so as to ensure proper thinking and action. Social intelligence refers to the individual’s ability to influence others in the society (Emmerling 2012). Emotional Quotient and Cultural Quotient EQ and CQ are different and they assess different concepts. CQ assesses an individual’s capability to bridge cultural gaps. CQ identifies an individual’s understanding of the social interaction norms of a given culture, knowledge of the cultural differences in the environment and the ability to adjust to the multicultural setting characteristic of that environment. Whereas, EQ measures the ability identify other people’s emotions and use this knowledge to navigate the social environment. EQ focuses on the emotional intelligence of an individual, and the ability to regulate one’s emotional state (Emmerling & Boyatzis 2012). Developing CQ and its Limitations There are four complementary ways to measure cultural intelligence. The metacognitive dimension refers the means of acquiring, understanding and utilizing knowledge. Cognitive intelligence refers to knowledge and its structures, whereas, motivational intelligence focuses on the magnitude and direction of cognitive intelligence. Motivational Intelligence states that a majority of cognitive intelligence is motivated (Earley & Mosawkowski 2004).Lastly; behavioural intelligence focuses on individual capabilities and level of action. Assessment of Cultural Intelligence A CQ assessment test helps individuals to identify their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to cultural intelligence. The test assesses ones cultural drive, knowledge, strategy and action. I undertook the test prior to this essay. My test scores were 96% in terms of CQ drive, 57% in terms of knowledge, 76% in terms of strategy and 74% in terms of action. The CQ assessment enabled me to identify my strengths and weaknesses in terms of cultural intelligence. Based on the 57% score that I obtained, I identified that I need to improve my knowledge on the various cultures in the society. After the assessment, I purposed to learn more about various cultures such as the Japanese and the Australian cultures. I also opted to focus on language interaction patterns so as to improve my communication skills. This test is highly useful to me as it enabled me to change my perception regarding my cultural intelligence and thus, it enabled me to identify areas I need to improve. Thanks to this test, I will be able to become a better person in the society, and I will have the confidence to interact with people from diverse cultures. There are two limitations to developing cultural intelligence. First, development of cultural intelligence is a perpetual process that is continual. Individuals are constantly being exposed to different cultures and therefore, there is no end to developing cultural intelligence. The second limitation is there is no universal doctrine or corporate practice for developing cultural intelligence. The theories and steps adopted are based on best practices derived from previous works. Individuals may develop cultural intelligence through learning. Technological advancements have made it easy to learn about various cultures (Livermore 2009). An individual may carry out research concerning a particular country and its cultures. Research will enable the individual to identify the unique characteristics of a particular culture and thus prepare themselves for interaction with people from such backgrounds. Individuals may also learn through interaction with people of different backgrounds over a period. Demographic changes are taking place on a global scale as a result of globalisation. Therefore, it is important for people to become culturally intelligent so as to avoid conflicts in the society. Summary Cultural intelligence is a relatively new concept in business literature. This concept is essential in developing global leaders and individuals with the capacity to adapt in a multicultural setting. Cultural intelligence is defined as the measure of an individuals capability to function in a multicultural environment. This concept is significant owing to the rapid development of business environments and globalization. Globalization has resulted in the development of international businesses and the growth of multinational corporations. The current business environment is complex and involves the interaction of people from diverse cultures. This article contains a brief history of the development of intelligence and the evolution of cultural, emotional and social intelligence. It also highlights the difference between emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence. Goleman defines intelligence as “a proxy for the cognitive complexity a person can possess” (Goleman 1998). Researchers have established a series of theories over the years in an attempt to define intelligence. Some of the theories mentioned in this article are the Multi-factor theory by Thordonke and the unitary theory by Thordone. Thomas and Inkson (2004) identify the development of cultural intelligence as a perpetual process. The authors give three main characteristics that an individual should possess in order to develop cultural intelligence which are humility, openness and hardiness. Included in this article is the assessment of my CQ tests. The CQ test enabled me to identify my strengths and the areas in which I should further develop. The comparison between CQ and EQ in the article shows a clear distinction between the two concepts. Lastly, included in this article are the limitations and relevance of cultural intelligence in the society particularly in the business field. References Ahmad, M. A. (2015). CQ Report: self-assessment. Basic Plus. Albrecht, K. (2006). 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