Does Intelligence Help People Survive in a Foreign Jungle? The Effects of Cultural and Emotional Intelligence on Cross-cultural Adjustment
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2012-07-01
Authors
Lin, Y.
Chen, A. S.
Song, Y. J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ELSEVIER
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of cultural intelligence (CQ) and emotional intelligence (EI) on an individual's adjustment in a different cultural environment. A paper-based survey, with a return rate of 42.1%, was completed by 295 international college students who studied for a degree or were interested in learning Chinese as a second language in Taiwan. The data were analyzed using hierarchical regression to test the effect of CQ on cross-cultural adjustment, and the moderating effect of EI on the relationship between CQ and cross-cultural adjustment. The results showed that CQ had a positive effect on cross-cultural adjustment after controlling for gender, age, previous overseas experience, English ability, and host-country language ability. In addition, we found that EI positively moderated the relationship between CQ and cross-cultural adjustment. The present study demonstrates the importance and utility of CQ and EI in understanding the links relating to cross-cultural adjustment. The results of this study contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of cross-cultural research, and it provides practical implications for individuals seeking to improve their cross-cultural effectiveness.