Bridging Cultures and Bridging Cultures International
Assessment Item 2: Report 30%
Brief description:
A report focused on cultural intelligence (CQ) and its assessment, theoretical background and application to transitions between cultures and the strategies for developing CQ including a reflection on personal development in relation to these issues. The second part of the report involves reflection on your CQ assessment completed at the beginning of the unit.
Maximum length:
- 1500 words (including tables, in-text references, but not the reference list). This includes Part A and Part B.
- References should be appropriately cited using APA guidelines and listed in the reference list.
- Only list references in the reference list which have been cited in the report.
Part A: Background (Approximately 850 words)
Increasingly authors/researchers refer to a variety of forms of intelligence as they apply to work/business contexts and also to global transitions. The most recent of these are Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Intelligence. Definitions have been provided by different researchers in the area with varying suggestions about the possibility of enhancing individuals’ skills and levels in each of these areas. It is important to note that these are theories and as such may be challenged as to the level of evidence supporting them and thus their ability to explain contexts. Historically, research on IQ (cognitive ability) has suggested that there is a large inherited /genetic component and therefore the possibility of increasing one’s IQ score is limited. Theorists discussing emotional and cultural intelligence suggest that they can both be developed through a variety of methods and that they can be measured.
Your task:
With reference to other traditionally accepted forms/definitions of intelligence including, IQ, social intelligence, multiple intelligences and emotional intelligence:
- Define cultural intelligence referring to the historical development and evolution of the concept.
- Outline recent definitions and theories in this area.
- Critically discuss the degree to which CQ can be distinguished/is actually different from other forms of intelligence such as, social and emotional intelligence. (You may argue it is not different but you must provide evidence).
- Outline the limitations and challenges of CQ (if any).
- Discuss also the relevance of CQ to transitions between cultures and global business operations.
Critically analyse the evidence throughout. This means you should be presenting multiple viewpoints on the topic of CQ.
Part B: Reflection (Approximately 650 words)
This section of the assignment will be written in the first person mode (e.g. I feel that, I observed etc).
Your task:
You are required to provide a reflection which includes the following areas:
- Your own development and changes in perceptions, behaviours and responses to cross cultural/multicultural situations prior to and during the course to date. This may include previous experiences moving between countries and cultures.
- The results of your own Cultural Intelligence (CQ) T1 assessment. This will include your identified strengths and challenges and your reaction to these.
- The personal value you gained by completing this assessment and how it has impacted your view of CQ theory.
- Your strategy for developing your cultural intelligence. This should include clear strategy and action orientated, SMART goals. It is suggested that you include both short-term and long-term goals for improving your CQ.
