Beyond General Intelligence (IQ) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The Role of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on Cross-Border Leadership Effectiveness in a Globalized World

• Published in: Journal of social issues Vol. 67; no. 4; pp. 825 - 840
• Main Authors: Rockstuhl, Thomas, Seiler, Stefan, Ang, Soon, Van Dyne, Linn, Annen, Hubert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01.12.2011; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Borders; Cross cultural studies; Cross-cultural analysis; Cultural dynamics; Cultural Values; Effectiveness; Emotional intelligence; Emotions; Globalization; Intelligence; Leadership; Military Effectiveness; Military Officers; Prediction; Social psychology; Switzerland; Switzerland
• ISSN: 0022-4537; 1540-4560
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-4560.2011.01730.x

Emphasizing the importance of cross‐border effectiveness in the contemporary globalized world, we propose that cultural intelligence—the leadership capability to manage effectively in culturally diverse settings—is a critical leadership competency for those with cross‐border responsibilities. We tested this hypothesis with multisource data, including multiple intelligences, in a sample of 126 Swiss military officers with both domestic and cross‐border leadership responsibilities. Results supported our predictions: (1) general intelligence predicted both domestic and cross‐border leadership effectiveness; (2) emotional intelligence was a stronger predictor of domestic leadership effectiveness, and (3) cultural intelligence was a stronger predictor of cross‐border leadership effectiveness. Overall, results show the value of cultural intelligence as a critical leadership competency in today's globalized world.