Emotional intelligence correlates of the four‐factor model of cultural intelligence

Purpose The purpose of this research is to examine relationships between emotional intelligence and the four factor model of cultural intelligence – metacognitive CQ, cognitive CQ, motivational CQ, and behavioral CQ. Design/methodology/approach Confirmatory factor analyses and hierarchical regression analyses on data from 381 students in Korea are conducted. Findings The results support discriminant validity of the four factor model of cultural intelligence scale (CQS) in relation to the emotional intelligence (EQ) construct. This study also demonstrates that the EQ factors related to social competence (social awareness and relationship management) explain CQ over and beyond the EQ factors related to self‐competence (self‐awareness, and relationship management). Finally, the results present that specific factors of EQ are related to specific factors of CQ. Originality/value The findings of this study demonstrate how CQ and EQ are distinct, but related constructs, which has not been conducted by prior research.