It will take time, effort, and money to improve cultural IQ among employees. However, many people believe that it is well worth it because it boosts corporate brand, allows organizations to work in multi-cultural environments, and helps them adapt more quickly. In 2012, the Chartered Association of Organization and Growth and World of Human Resource Organization conducted a joint study to determine the best way to improve cultural intelligence in organizations and businesses. In 2012, the Chartered Association of Organization and Growth (CIPD) and the World of Human Resource Organization (SHRM) conducted a study to determine the most effective way to enhance cultural intelligence within organizations. Social IQ is also a competency that companies look for in employees and candidates. Businesses need to know how you interact and act with other people.
Recently, we’ve heard the term “Cultural Intelligence”. Why is cultural intelligence so important for global business? Cultural intelligence is when people, businesses, and organizations are able to work in diverse cultural situations. International businesses need to be able to adapt to different cultures and work with consumers in each country. Global collaboration is now a vital aspect of business success. Without the cultural IQ, businesses will not be able to collaborate effectively. Cultural IQ can be complex, time-consuming, or expensive to develop amongst employees. Some argue that this investment is worth it, as it increases corporate reputation. It can also help companies achieve better results across cultures and adapt to different environments. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Society of Human Resource Management jointly conducted a 2012 survey to identify the most effective way to boost cultural intelligence. The most popular method, according to the survey results, was customized programs. This means the best way forward is to design a tailored program based on the specific needs and gaps of each business. Companies are looking for people with high levels of cultural intelligence. Coca-Cola’s program for high-potential leaders requires that all participants be tested by the Cultural Intelligence Centre. Businesses need to know your ability to communicate and interact with people who are different from yourself. As markets merge, businesses have to adapt international products to fit the local culture of where they’re being sold. The process of “glocalization”, as it’s called, requires cultural intelligence. McDonald’s Corp. has the largest restaurant network in the entire world. It operates in 119 nations. McDonald’s has different menus in each country. In India, restaurants offer a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. America, for example, is experiencing a rapid increase in Asian, Hispanic, or African-American population. This is making businesses more aware that they need to innovate and adapt their business practices to these groups. Cultural intelligence is becoming increasingly important to companies, but they are still trying to figure out how best implement it. Cultural intelligence is not implemented by supporting diversity associations, giving to non-profit groups and increasing advertising.
The importance of culture intelligence within global organizations. Companies that strive to improve their cultural intelligence can reap a variety of benefits. Cultural intelligence (CQ), or cultural quotient as it is also called, has become more important with the increased global connectivity and collaboration between all businesses and individuals. It’s a good thing for companies as they can now access more talent, resources and knowledge, and have a dynamic approach to working that doesn’t confine them to one location. This can also lead to a greater awareness of cultural and customs differences. This can cause divisions in the workplace, which affects staff morale and work relationships, as well as other aspects of the business. CQ should be promoted within global organizations. What is Cultural Intelligence? Cultural intelligence encompasses more than cultural sensitivity or awareness. Both are vital in the workplace. Instead, it’s about being able to relate and work effectively with people from different cultures. CQ allows individuals to work effectively and with respect in any cultural environment. Despite the fact that a diverse workforce can be a challenge, many people forget the differences in perceptions, experiences and perspectives. This can lead not only to friction but also issues at work. CQ helps people gain a greater understanding of different cultures and how to interact with them in a more positive, compassionate manner. CQ allows individuals to gain a better understanding and appreciation of different cultures. This will allow them to work with people from other cultures in a positive, compassionate way. CQ requires a deeper understanding of the way different cultures are incorporated into business. It also involves developing professional behaviors and language that will help solve problems better.
Benefits of cultural IQ: The ability to handle the differences that can arise in behavior and working methods when cultures are mixed within a single organization, can have many positive effects on your business. CQ is a great way to give your business an edge, because it enhances communication, cooperation and teamwork. According to David Livermore of the Cultural Intelligence Center, a US-based organization, 90% of top executives from 68 different countries believe that cross-cultural abilities are essential to remaining competitive. CQ is important not only for businesses, but also for the individuals who work in them. Mr Livermore continues to explain that low CQ teams perform worse than those with higher levels in terms of innovation, engagement and profitability, among other factors. CQ is important for the efficiency of workers, service quality and building beneficial relationships between staff and clients. CQ allows businesses to access a wider range of resources and tools than those with low CQ. It also allows for faster and more accurate problem solving. Enhancing Cultural Intelligence By enhancing CQ, both globally and personally, a company can reap all the benefits. CQ is not an overnight process but the time invested is worth it. Not only does it increase compassion amongst colleagues, it also can improve corporate reputation. A recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Society of Human Resource Management revealed that tailored programs were the top method to enhance CQ. The findings suggest that rather than a boilerplate approach, a customized program is recommended to meet the specific needs and knowledge gaps for each company. Understanding how CQ can improve a company’s or department’s day-to-day operations will allow for a training program that is tailored to the workers’ experience. It allows for more effective learning and encourages employees to adopt attitudes and behaviors that will improve their CQ. Leadership roles may benefit from external events where they can develop their CQ and interact with people of different cultures. This information can be used as the basis for in-house coaching and training. Despite elearning being a popular choice for businesses, a CIPD/SHRM survey revealed that employees were not completing CQ programs. The study suggested that a better option would be to have a more hands-on approach. This approach ensures that the training is more engaging, and includes examples from each location. Tags: talent management. workplace culture. employee satisfaction. Share on Facebook LinkedIn. Twitter. Related articles. How to build a resilient workforce and ensure your competitiveness. The five biggest challenges HR faces in 2017. Identifying team members – is it science or an art?
If you’re an employee today, it is even more important that you have the ability to manage cultural diversity. CQ reduces conflict by maximising the diversity of perspectives in your workforce. This allows you to carry out your mission within a range of social and cultural contexts. More than ever, it is important to create a strategy to measure and develop cultural intelligence. Cultural intelligence training and assessments are being used by a growing number of business leaders, government officials and nonprofit organizations. Business leaders across the globe are adopting culture intelligence. From multinationals including IBM, Coca-Cola and Novartis through to tech titans like Google and Alibaba as well as universities such Harvard Business School and Nanyang Business School. CQ is not just “nice to have” or “decent” capabilities. CQ is now a key factor in determining whether employees work hard or smart. You will not only improve the performance of your own organization but also create a team of culturally-aware individuals who will in turn make our world a more tolerant and accepting place.
