When can cultural intelligence be effective for expatriate cross-cultural work adjustment?—a configurational approach

This study examines how cultural intelligence (CQ) impacts expatriate cross-cultural work adjustment under different boundary conditions. Specifically, drawing from trait-activation theory and adopting a configurational approach, we explore how CQ dimensions are combined and configured with cultural distance and perceived cultural novelty to influence expatriate work adjustment. Applying fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), the results from a survey of 106 expatriates in the Czech Republic indicate that five configurations are effective for high work adjustment under different conditions of cultural distance and perceived cultural novelty. In addition, three configurations explain low work adjustment. These findings demonstrate that expatriate work adjustment results from the complex interplays among expatriate CQ and the boundary conditions. This research advances the conceptual understanding of cultural intelligence and elucidates the mechanisms through which CQ facilitates expatriate cross-cultural work adjustment. It provides host companies with scenarios and templates for designing specific development programs for different types of expatriates in order to facilitate their work adjustment.