Turning expatriates’ cultural intelligence into strategic advantage

This paper aims to discuss the importance of cultural intelligence for expatriates and offer several recommendations for human resources professionals to help enhance expatriates’ performance.

The paper is based on a review of relevant literature and in-depth interviews with 12 experienced expatriates who had collectively completed 39 assignments across 26 different host countries. The participants represent ten ethnicities and seven industries.

The expatriates used all four types of cultural intelligence while on assignment and found those to be critical for their success.

Human resources professionals are advised to actively screen for cultural intelligence when selecting expatriates for assignment; develop expatriates’ cultural intelligence in a holistic, ongoing manner; and involve external professionals as needed to support expatriates’ success.

Much of the past research on intercultural adaptation and cultural intelligence has been quantitative in nature and based on student populations. This paper provides detailed insights in the participants’ own words regarding the way cultural intelligence promotes intercultural adaptation and success on assignment.