Exploring the relationship between cultural intelligence and employees demographic profiles: insights gained from a cross-cultural study in Oman

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between cultural intelligence (CQ) and adult demographic profiles in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach This cross-cultural study used a self-reported demographic and a 20-item CQ scale. The demographic and CQ level of 287 adults working in Oman from different countries was evaluated. Findings The mean total CQ score of adults working in Oman was 4.77 + 1.53. Out of the four dimensions, this study founds higher values relating to motivational CQ followed by metacognitive and behavioral CQ with mean scores 5.22 + 1.53, 5.13 + 1.57 and 4.59 + 1.54, respectively. Significance, between-group differences (gender, age, job level, sector type, education level, nationality and study abroad), were observed in metacognitive and motivational dimensions of CQ (p < 0.001). All the regression models are significant, indicating that they express a meaningful relationship between each of the dependent variables and the variables in the model. The total CQ model explains 10.7% of the variance. Research limitations/implications The results of this study provide additional insight to researchers in identifying the demographic profiles which predict the level of total CQ. The use of a longitudinal design to further confirm the results of this study is proposed. Practical implications The study helps practicing managers to understand the implications of cultural Intelligence and how it influences employee behavior from the perspectives of demographic perspectives. Originality/value The CQ levels of adults working in Oman vary according to their demographic profiles and the demographic profiles predict the CQ levels.