Cognitive flexibility and cultural intelligence: exploring the cognitive aspects of effective functioning in culturally diverse contexts

Cultural intelligence or CQ is an important construct that is associated with effective functioning in culturally diverse contexts. More recently, research has attempted to identify factors that might relate to the strengthening or development of CQ. In this study, we examine cognitive flexibility as a possible psychological process that relates to CQ. In two studies, participants (total N = 694) completed different self-report measures of cognitive flexibility, need for cognitive closure, and a CQ scale. In study 1, CQ was associated with the subscale of cognitive flexibility which is related to tendency to consider multiple perspectives and generate multiple approaches to problem solving (R2=.24). In study 2, CQ was related to the executive function of shifting (R2=.04). The different effect sizes suggest that CQ might be more reflective of the cognitive preferences and tendencies that flexibly integrate various specific cognitive functions, instead of fundamental executive functions. The results add to the emerging literature on factors that might be associated with the development of CQ, and point to possible entry points for developing or training CQ in individuals.