Doing business in global arena : an examination of the relationship between cultural intelligence and cross-cultural adjustment

The study examines the relationship between cultural intelligence (CQ) and crosscultural
adjustment (CCA) using a field study of 332 expatriates in Malaysia. The
findings of this study reveal that CQ is a vital cross-cultural competency that facilitates
expatriates CCA in international assignment. Specifically, the result of this study reveals
that greater general adjustment is related to greater motivational and meta-cognitive CQ.
The more successful interaction adjustment is associated with greater motivational, metacognitive
and cognitive CQ. Greater work adjustment is related to greater motivational
CQ. Motivational component of CQ is the only dimensions of CQ that is significantly
related to all three dimensions of CCA. The findings of this study have significant
contribution to the body of knowledge in the cross-cultural management field as well as
practical implication to expatriating firms especially in the area of selection and hiring of
international candidates.