Luckily for us, issues stemming from low cultural intelligence are not unsolvable, as cultural intelligence can be improved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This blog post will help you achieve that, as we\u2019ll cover: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What cultural intelligence is<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Why it\u2019s important<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to improve cultural intelligence<\/strong>, both on individual and organizational levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s dive in! <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Cultural](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Cultural-Intelligence-cover.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat is cultural intelligence? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cultural intelligence, or CQ (Cultural Quotient), is our ability to effectively adjust to new cultural contexts and different cultures.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In their book Cultural Intelligence: Individual Interactions Across Cultures<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>P. Christopher Earley and Soon Ang define cultural intelligence as \u201ca person\u2019s capability for successful adaptation to new cultural settings, that is, for unfamiliar settings attributable to cultural context.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simply put, in workplace environments, cultural intelligence refers to our capability to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This ability is not limited to our cultural sensitivity and awareness but goes beyond that. Namely, people with high cultural intelligence feel confident in new environments and, by making informed judgments based on observations, they are able to use their skills to realize their objectives in culturally diverse situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Simplify work with Pumble<\/span>\nStrengthen your team. Try Pumble, the all-in-one communication app by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n
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\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nThe difference between emotional and cultural intelligence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, the author of the book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ<\/em><\/a>, cultural and emotional intelligence share one crucial element \u2014 a tendency to think before acting<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, here\u2019s the main difference. Emotional intelligence<\/a> refers to our capacity to understand our own and others\u2019 feelings<\/strong>, whereas cultural intelligence deals with our ability to grasp cultural aspects of other people\u2019s behavior, values, and attitudes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Namely, people with high emotional intelligence are quick to pick up on other people\u2019s emotions, wants, and needs<\/strong>. Moreover, they understand how their behavior and emotions affect others. In other words, they are empathetic and perceptive. However, they sometimes lack the skills to understand the cultural factors involved and adjust their behavior accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, aside from being aware of people\u2019s feelings and needs, those with high cultural intelligence notice peculiarities in the values, beliefs, and attitudes of people from different cultures<\/strong>. They are, therefore, able to adapt their behavior to the circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To put it another way, they are highly empathetic and perceptive even when they communicate with people who come from other cultures and behave in ways they\u2019re not so familiar with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3 Components of cultural intelligence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In their HBR article Cultural Intelligence<\/em><\/a>, P. Christopher Earley and Elaine Mosakowski state that cultural intelligence consists of 3 components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cognitive skills<\/strong> (Head), which include:\n
- \n
- Perception,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Interpretation, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Understanding of cultural differences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Physical cues<\/strong> (Body), where we need to pay attention to:\n
- \n
- Gestures,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mimic, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manoeuvering. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Emotional understanding<\/strong> (Heart), which implies:\n
- \n
- Openness,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Acceptance, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Motivation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"3](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3-Components-of-cultural-intelligence.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSo, to understand this phenomenon and improve our own cultural intelligence, let\u2019s take a closer look at each of its components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Component #1: Cognitive skills \u2014 Head<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first component of cultural intelligence, cognitive skills, is dubbed the<\/em> Head<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It deals with our ability to understand a different culture and adapt our behavior<\/strong> in ways that will streamline our communication with the members of the said culture and eradicate some of the most common communication barriers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This also means that our cognitive skills can help us better understand different cultures, by doing some research and showing an active interest in our colleagues with different backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, let\u2019s say your company has sent you to another country to manage a department. The first thing you need to do is carefully study the culture of the country and try to understand the locals\u2019 behavior. This is the first step to you being a successful manager both in your country and the new one you\u2019ve been sent to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overcome communication barriers with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Understanding different cultures is by no means an easy task. It requires you to successfully cross any obstacles that stand in the way. So, if you need any help with cross-cultural communication, read our blog post on that topic: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How to perfect cross-cultural communication at the workplace<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Component #2: Physical cues \u2014 Body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The next component of cultural intelligence is the Body<\/em>, aka the physical cues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Namely, this part refers to our ability to notice how different cultures use physical cues and reciprocate them<\/strong>. By doing this, we\u2019re showing our coworkers that we\u2019re making a conscious effort to understand their culture and ensure we don\u2019t offend them inadvertently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not enough to say you understand the culture of your foreign colleagues or guests. You need to show<\/em> them you understand it \u2014 with your actions and behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, an American professional meeting with a French colleague in Paris might be confused by being greeted with two pecks on the cheeks. While kissing a business associate<\/a> is perfectly acceptable in France, it\u2019s completely inappropriate in the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Component #3: Emotional understanding \u2014 Heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The third component of cultural intelligence is emotional understanding, the Heart<\/em>. In other words, this is the part where motivation for understanding colleagues from different cultures and successfully collaborating with them is key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means that, when adapting to new cultures, we\u2019re almost certainly going to face challenges and setbacks. The main part is to persevere and don\u2019t let ourselves get discouraged by mistakes we make in the learning process<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s where motivation<\/strong> comes in. It allows us to recuperate after facing obstacles or failure and try again. We need to learn from our mistakes and be determined to make more effort to efficiently communicate with our colleagues from different cultures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, let\u2019s say we have never worked with colleagues from other cultures before, and now all that has changed as our company opened offices in Spain. There are bound to be some problems \u2014 maybe just tiny miscommunication issues<\/a> \u2014 but it\u2019s up to us to muster the courage to continue with our efforts even when we face challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Empower team communication<\/span>\nEffortless collaboration and communication. Try Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nWhy is cultural intelligence in the workplace important? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that we\u2019ve become more acquainted with cultural intelligence and its components, it\u2019s time to consider its importance in the workplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In search of answers, we have reached out to a number of experts, so let\u2019s see what they had to say about the benefits of cultural intelligence in the workplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #1: Cultural intelligence improves communication and collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Undoubtedly, one of the main benefits of cultural intelligence is improved communication and, consequently, collaboration. This is precisely what our contributor Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D.<\/a>, Clinical Psychologist and Founder and Chief Executive Officer at RC Warner Consulting, LLC, told us: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Ryan](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Ryan-C.-Warner.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cCultural intelligence in the workplace is vital as it fosters understanding and collaboration among diverse teams. It enables effective communication, respect for varying viewpoints, and enhances innovation by drawing from a rich tapestry of perspectives.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMoreover, as Judy Ravin<\/a>, Linguist and Co-Founder at Accents International, highlights, cultural intelligence is significant for forming partnerships: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Judy](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Judy-Ravin.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cCultural intelligence allows for partnership. Without it, ideas don\u2019t get shared, and problems don\u2019t get solved. It\u2019s not only a nice thing, but also a business imperative. Cultural intelligence leverages innovative ideas that come with a diverse talent base. It allows all voices to contribute with impact. Without it, businesses are at a competitive disadvantage.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Communication made easy<\/span>\nEmpower your team and boost productivity in real time. Try Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nBenefit #2: Cultural intelligence improves workplace environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Having a positive work environment<\/a> is one of the most essential conditions for employee satisfaction, and \u2014 hate to break it to you \u2014 this doesn\u2019t mean a foosball table and lazy bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Namely, in the age of increased awareness of DEI, cultural intelligence is certainly a factor in creating a positive workplace atmosphere. Diversity, a \u201ctapestry of perspectives\u201d<\/em>, as Ryan C. Warner called it, makes the workplace environment more enjoyable. However, it doesn\u2019t mean much without cultural intelligence, as Nikki Innocent<\/a>, Holistic Coach for Career, Life and Interpersonal Change, points out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Nikki](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Nikki-Innocent.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cCQ is vital in building a foundation of inclusion for an organization. This allows for diversity to prosper, which results in higher levels of innovation, better returns, and lower financial risk. Creating a workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated also results in a workforce with more dynamic interpersonal <\/em>conflict resolution<\/em><\/a> skills, deeper levels of trust, and stronger resilience in times of uncertainty.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udca1 <\/strong>PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, read our blog post on this topic: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A guide to diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplace communications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #3: Cultural intelligence widens the talent pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another benefit of cultural intelligence is that it allows companies to recruit the best talent from all around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By working on improving cultural intelligence within their workforce, companies are not limited to hiring only domestic candidates but can choose from a much larger talent pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having employees with high CQ enables the companies to have a more collaborative workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, a cross-cultural workforce helps companies compete within the global market, as it enables more effective partnerships and collaborations outside of the local market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #4: Cultural intelligence increases employee retention <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, CQ is one of the key factors in increasing employee retention, as Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster<\/a>, National Trainer, Consultant, and Leadership Coach, points out: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Dr.-Tonicia-Freeman-Foster.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cCultural intelligence in the workplace is important for reducing assimilation and increasing employee retention. Employees are human beings first. Innovation and teamwork thrive when employees feel a sense of belonging as their authentic selves and in their own skin. Cultural diversity should be celebrated, but knowing it is the only way to embrace it fully.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWorking in an environment where diversity is celebrated and employees have high CQ allows everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin. This is precisely why they\u2019re motivated to stay in the company longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try Pumble and see the teamwork thrive<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #5: Cultural intelligence decreases employee burnout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, Nikki Innocent points out that cultural intelligence may help curb employee burnout:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cInvesting in CQ can foster a sense of belonging, which helps thwart issues of employee burnout (a recent Harvard study finds annual healthcare spending due to workplace burnout is anywhere from $125 billion to $190 billion) and employee turnover (which is estimated to cost between half to 3 times an employee’s salary).\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAgain, the sense of belonging people feel when working with colleagues with high CQ helps them feel psychologically safe in the workplace<\/a>. This, in turn, leads to lower rates of burnout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\ud83d\udca1 <\/strong>PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re interested to learn more about mental health in the workplace, we have just the right article for you: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Mental health in the (remote) workplace<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that we\u2019ve covered the main benefits of cultural intelligence in the workplace, it\u2019s time to give you some tips on how to improve it \u2014 both on an individual and organizational level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Boost team productivity<\/span>\nBoost teamwork and simplify communication by switching your team to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nHow to improve the 4 practical aspects of cultural intelligence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As different studies show, culturally diverse teams are more innovative<\/a> and logical than homogeneous teams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why it\u2019s more important than ever to work on improving our cultural intelligence so that we can better function in cross-cultural teams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Dr. David Livermore, there are 4 practical aspects of cultural intelligence<\/strong>, as he highlights in his book The Cultural Intelligence Difference<\/em><\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- CQ Drive<\/strong> \u2014 Your interest, drive, and motivation to adapt to multicultural environments, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CQ Knowledge<\/strong> \u2014 Your understanding about the differences and similarities among cultures, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CQ Strategy<\/strong> \u2014 Your ability to plan multicultural actions, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CQ Action <\/strong>\u2014 Your ability to adapt when working interculturally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"4](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4-Practical-aspects-of-CQ.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTo improve our cultural intelligence quotient (CQ), we should work on developing all 4 of these aspects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, here are our tips on how you can do that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip #1: Improve your CQ drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first practical aspect of cultural intelligence you need to improve is your CQ drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This refers to your motivation to learn about a different culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re not familiar with the culture your colleagues belong to, chances are you\u2019re not going to adapt well to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, this drive is the first step towards higher cultural intelligence that may help you open up to new possibilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you have to do is explore the new situation you find yourself in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To successfully motivate yourself to immerse yourself in a new culture, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Get acquainted with people from different social backgrounds and communities<\/strong> \u2014 This gives you the opportunity to understand your cross-cultural colleagues better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Learn a new language<\/strong> \u2014 Aside from acquiring a new skill, you\u2019ll learn a lot about the culture in question. After all, according to the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis<\/a>, \u201cthe particular language one speaks influences the way one thinks about reality.\u201d <\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Involve yourself in projects that allow you to get to know people from different cultures<\/strong> \u2014 This is a perfect way to learn first-hand something more about the customs and behaviors of a new culture. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Read about different cultures<\/strong> \u2014 If all of the above is too much for you, you can always read about different cultures. Choose a well-known author from the culture your colleague comes from and read a novel. This will certainly motivate you to try to get to know your cross-cultural colleagues better. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
All of the above might push you to go further into this adventure of getting to know other cultures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Learn a new language<\/strong> \u2014 Aside from acquiring a new skill, you\u2019ll learn a lot about the culture in question. After all, according to the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis<\/a>, \u201cthe particular language one speaks influences the way one thinks about reality.\u201d <\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CQ Knowledge<\/strong> \u2014 Your understanding about the differences and similarities among cultures, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CQ Drive<\/strong> \u2014 Your interest, drive, and motivation to adapt to multicultural environments, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mental health in the (remote) workplace<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- A guide to diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplace communications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- How to perfect cross-cultural communication at the workplace<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Why it\u2019s important<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n