The final model is illustrated in Fig. 2. The figures are
standardised regression coefficients and are all significant at least
at 99.99% level with the exception of paths from awareness
cultural intelligence (CQAWARE) to interaction adjustment (EIAJ)
and interaction cultural intelligence (CQINTER) to interaction
adjustment (EIAJ) which were significant at 95% level.
Table 7 summarises the hypothesised relationships for the final
model.
This study aimed to examine the influence of cultural
intelligence on both the expatriates’ adjustment and performance.
The results suggest that both the sub-scales of cultural
intelligence: awareness CQ (CQAWARE) and interaction CQ
(CQINTER) were positively related to the different facets of
expatriate adjustment. This highlights the significance of being
culturally intelligent to facilitate cross-cultural interaction and
adjustment in the host country. Reverting to the AUM theory
(see Gudykunst, 2005), by being culturally intelligent, the
anxiety and uncertainty which stem from relocating to new
environment can be better managed allowing the expatriates to
be in better control of his/her immediate surroundings. This
permits time and effort to be channelled to improve work
performance. There was a negative relationship between
interaction CQ (CQINTER) with expatriate work adjustment
(EWAJ). This possibly indicates that due to the similar nature of
the work related activities, the expatriate did not find being
culturally intelligent particularly helpful in adjusting to the
work environment. In relation to work adjustment, being aware
of the cultural differences that exist in the work environment
suffices to get some assistance and acknowledgement from the
local counterparts. This is not deemed necessary when the work
environment and the policies and guidelines for managing work
related tasks and processes remain the same.
As for the expatriate performance, positive relationships exist
between interaction adjustment with both facets of expatriate
performance. Work adjustment only significantly affects task
performance. General adjustment was not positively linked to
any performance variable but can be positively linked to
interaction adjustment. This possibly shows that when an
expatriate is comfortable with the differences in the basic
necessities that can be found in the host country such as
accommodation, food or other basic amenities, it would be easier
for the expatriates to interact with the locals both in work and
non-work setting.
An interesting finding that can be highlighted is how interaction
CQ (CQINTER) is positively linked to contextual performance (ECP).
This shows that being culturally intelligent while interacting with
the local employees would help expatriates to perform in his nontechnical
responsibilities; i.e., fostering good working relationship