Scale Description

The 20-item Four Factor Cultural Intelligence Scale (4F-CQS) is a tool used to assess Cultural Intelligence (CQ) across four key areas. Cultural Intelligence refers to an individual’s ability to understand, adapt to, and communicate effectively in intercultural settings. The 4F-CQS focuses on four different dimensions of cultural intelligence, each assessed through 5 questions, totaling 20 questions.

Data Analysis and Use

The analysis of the 4F-CQS involves scoring responses for each of the four dimensions based on a five-point Likert scale (from 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). The four dimensions include:

  • Cultural Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of cultural characteristics and differences.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Sensitivity and ability to understand different cultural perspectives.
  • Cultural Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in intercultural contexts.
  • Cultural Adaptation: Ability to adapt and change behavior to respond to different cultural environments.

Objective

The goal of the 4F-CQS is to measure the four fundamental dimensions of cultural intelligence by identifying an individual’s ability to:

  • Understand Cultural Differences: Recognize and understand cultural differences and behaviors.
  • Adapt to Different Cultural Environments: Apply adaptation strategies to function effectively in intercultural settings.
  • Communicate Effectively with Individuals from Different Cultural Backgrounds: Create positive interactions with individuals from various cultures.
  • Manage Cultural Challenges: Address and manage challenges arising from cultural differences.

Calibration

Calibration of the 4F-CQS involves measuring scores for each of the four dimensions and the overall cultural intelligence score. Scores are calculated as follows:

  • Total Score: Computed as the sum of scores across all questions, divided into four categories.
  • Dimension-Specific Scores: Calculated as the averages of scores for each dimension (cultural knowledge, sensitivity, communication, adaptation).

The scoring categories can be classified as:

  • Low Cultural Intelligence: Low scores across all dimensions, indicating limited ability to understand and adapt to cultural differences.
  • Moderate Cultural Intelligence: Moderate scores across various dimensions, indicating moderate ability and the need for development in specific areas.
  • High Cultural Intelligence: High scores across all dimensions, indicating strong abilities in understanding, adapting, and communicating in intercultural contexts.

Bibliography

Earley, P. C., & Ang, S. (2003). Cultural Intelligence: Individual Interactions Across Cultures. Stanford University Press.

Ang, S., Van Dyne, L., & Koh, C. (2006). Personality correlates of the four-factor model of cultural intelligence. Group & Organization Management, 31(4), 453-464.

Ng, K. Y., & Earley, P. C. (2006). Culture and cultural intelligence: The role of individual-level cultural intelligence in intercultural interactions. Journal of International Business Studies, 37(4), 550-566.

Van Dyne, L., Ang, S., & Koh, C. (2008). Development and validation of the Cultural Intelligence Scale. In K. Leung, M. T. Morris, & Y. K. Chiu (Eds.), Handbook of Cultural Intelligence (pp. 30-50). Routledge.