CQ at work and the impact of intercultural training: An empirical test among foreign laborers

This study was an examination into the relationships among cultural intelligence (CQ), cross-cultural adjustment, perceived effectiveness of intercultural training, and job involvement. The data were obtained from foreign laborers from the Philippine Islands who were working in Taiwan. Paper-based questionnaires (n = 600) were distributed with 393 valid returns in two months for a return rate of 65.5%. The results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that CQ is a significant predictor for job involvement. For the mediation effect, one dimension of the cross-cultural adjustment-work adjustment mediated the CQ-job involvement relationship. Furthermore, intercultural training enhanced the positive relationship of CQ and work adjustment. The present study demonstrated that CQ is critical for the success of intercultural effectiveness during an international assignment. Moreover, it is essential to provide continuing cross-cultural training in order to assist foreign laborers in adjusting to the local culture and thus becoming more highly involved in their work. Herein, the implications, limitations, and recommendations are discussed.