The effects of cultural intelligence on cross-cultural adjustment and job performance amongst expatriates in Malaysia

This study investigates the effects of cultural intelligence (CQ) and its dimensions on cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) and job performance in a sample of 332 expatriates working in Malaysia. The findings of this study reveal that CQ is a vital cross-cultural competency that facilitates expatriates CCA and job performance in international assignment. Specifically, the results of this study reveal that expatriates in Malaysia with greater meta-cognitive and motivational CQ fared better in their general adjustment. Greater interaction adjustment was related to being greater meta-cognitive, greater cognitive and greater motivational CQ. Greater work adjustment was related to being greater motivational CQ. Secondly, it was found that greater contextual performance in expatriates was related to being greater meta-cognitive and behavioral CQ, while greater assignment specific performance was related to greater behavioral CQ. However, there was no support for the relationship between CQ and task performance. The findings of this study contributes 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.