Cultural intelligence and work-related outcomes: A meta-analytic review

Over the last 15 years the research on cultural intelligence (CQ) has grown to a point that a quantitative synthesis of the existing empirical evidence on the relationship between CQ and work-related outcomes is needed to provide a foundation for future research in this direction. Based on 110 studies (121 independent samples and 28,476 individuals) the results of the bivariate meta-analyses indicate that CQ and its dimensions are positively associated with expatriation intention, job satisfaction, cross-cultural adjustment, transformational leadership, and job performance in a cross-cultural work context. Tests of the relative incremental validity show that CQ and its dimensions explain desirable work outcomes beyond the effect of personality traits and emotional intelligence. The results of commonality analysis reveal the unique and shared contribution of CQ dimensions in explaining the most common studied work-related outcomes. These findings advance theory, suggest directions for future research, and help practitioners to better understand how CQ affects work-related outcomes.