Predicting CQ Development in the Context of Experiential Cross-Cultural Training: The Role of Social Dominance Orientation and the Propensity to Change Stereotypes

Abstract

With increasing globalization and multicultural diversity comes a need for better understanding of the factors that predict cultural intelligence (CQ) development. Previous literature identifies cross-cultural contact and experiential contact-based training as effective in CQ development; however, individuals differ in their propensity to engage in and benefit from intergroup contact. Drawing on social dominance theory research and cultural learning models, I examine the relationships between individual social dominance orientation (SDO), the propensity to change stereotypes, and CQ development in the context of experiential cross-cultural training involving contact with a culturally different group. A pre- and postdesign study conducted among 122 postgraduate students demonstrated that SDO is directly and negatively related to the propensity to change stereotypes and indirectly and negatively related to CQ development following contact-based training. The propensity to change stereotypes mediated the negative relationship between SDO and CQ development. My findings here suggest that socially dominant individuals are less likely to benefit from experiential contact-based cross-cultural training; on the other hand, individuals with greater propensity to change stereotypes are likely to develop greater CQ. Education and training professionals should carefully consider the role of individual variables in CQ development and experiential cross-cultural training.

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