Cultural Intelligence (CQ)
Cultural intelligence (CQ) denotes the ability to work and relate efficiently in different cultural environments like government, education, academic research, business and other features. The ever-growing international intelligence and business unmatched with consistency in labour make many business experts concentrate on initiation and encouragement capabilities in their exported staff to cope with complex and ever-changing environments. CQ is closely related to emotional intelligence in that it illustrates the ability of an individual to identify the feelings of other people just like their own and appreciate appropriateness how things are done. The highly cultural intelligent people will filter behaviours that are universal to individuals in a group, the unique ones, as well as those that are neither similar nor distinct (Early, 2004 p. 1-2), (Thomas 2009 p.19).
Components of Cultural Intelligence
Cultural intelligence emancipate from three sources also known as components of knowledge culturally; the physical, cognitive, emotional or inspirational. The components can be referred too as the residence of CQ, that is, the head, the heart, and the body. Starting with the head; it is characterized by rote learning on the customs, taboos, and beliefs of the alien cultures. This method is characterized by some weaknesses since it incorporates favours, never prepares individuals for all situations and rarely secure rarely prevent prejudice. Locals may also not free to explain their ways to new people or may not even be aware of them. To overcome the challenges in rote learning, the newcomer should establish some learning strategies. These include identifying loopholes in the new culture where one can begin with the identification (Early, 2004 p.4), (Livermore, 2015 p.26).
The body component is well illustrated by not only a show of foreign culture understanding but also on how one acts and their matching presentation with the new people. It can be as simple as how you order a cup of coffee or how you shake hands in alignment to their ways that show your commitment in cohabitating with them. This identifies one with them and in turn, appreciate by agreeing to associate with you. In the heart, the proper adoption of the new culture is highlighted where one overcome hurdles and difficulties. One, therefore, builds self-esteem from a proper understanding of the troubles. It is the confidence and belief to meet and understand other cultures that ensure a successful entry and assimilation (Early 2004 p.5), (Livermore, 2015 p.29-30).
Similarities between Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Intelligence
Emotion intelligence and cultural intelligence share an important similarity about, “a propensity to spend judgment-to think before acting” as illustrated by Daniel Goldman. The suspension may take hours to days in people who are endowed with high CQ while it takes weeks to months with people who have low CQ. In both cases, emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence, it is the senses that count interactions in personalities happening near you. The only difference is the scenarios where one is at home and the other away from home. Once the behaviour seen settles in the brain, one consciously starts to anticipate the way these people will behave in coming situations (Early 2004 p.7), (Thomas, 2009 p. 45).
Measuring Cultural Intelligence
Cultural intelligence can be differentiated from emotional intelligence in the fact that the latter can be measured. The technique uses self report questionnaires that need one to report on skills, abilities and behaviors. Since most people tend to minimize their shortcomings and exaggerate their accomplishments, the method uses 360 degree tests where the questions are answered by people who personally know you, like your boss, friends and co-workers. Other methods utilize models like Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Scale (MEIS) where the candidate performs a series of tasks designed to measure the capacity to detect and function with emotion. MSCEIT (Mayer, Salovery, Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test) is another model that uses ability of the individual to tests like observing faces to comprehend emotions. This helps identify the actual intelligence behind emotions. Cultural intelligence on the hand ca not be measured (Thomas, 2009 p. 45).
Conclusion
It is true that some elements of cultural intelligence are inborn but also any person who is motivated, alert and composed can achieve leverage cultural intelligence. Some individuals perform well in new cultures and people with strange backgrounds where else others stumble. Previous research shows no matter the environment, people with higher cultural intelligence, whether innate or cultivated, can comprehend and master particular circumstances, internalize and act when required to do as such.
Work cited
Earley, P C, and Elaine Mosakowski. "Cultural Intelligence." Harvard Business Review. 82.10 (2004): 139-146. Print.
Livermore, David A, Soon Ang, and Dyne L. Van. Leading with Cultural Intelligence: The Real Secret to Success. New York: Amacom, American Management Association, 2015. Internet resource.
Thomas, David C, and Kerr Inkson. Cultural Intelligence: Living and Working Globally. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2009. Print
