Motivational differences: the moderated link between cultural experience and cultural intelligence

This study attempts to expand cultural intelligence's (CQ) nomological network. Specifically, we examine the roles of interdependent self-construal (ISC) and generalised self-determination (GSD) in individuals to explain how motivational differences supplement the relationship between cultural experience (CE) and CQ. As we replicate the findings of prior studies on a sample of 546 respondents, our empirical analyses confirm a positive association between broad CE and overall CQ. Additionally, building on the assertions of self-determination and expectancy theories, we examine the impacts of two moderators that shape the CE and CQ relationship. First, we find a substituting effect of CE and ISC on CQ. Second, we observe that GSD strengthens the overall CE-CQ connection. This study theoretically advances our conceptualisation of CQ by affirming the explanatory power of motivation-based models. These results provide organisations with evidence-based approaches to developing a cross-culturally effective workforce.