Cultural Intelligence competencies

Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is the capability to function effectively across various cultural contexts. These include:

national
ethnic
generational
organizational
various diversity groups

CQ capabilities

CQ has 4 capabilities which we refer to as the 4 CQ competencies. These are:

1. CQ Drive means that you have interest and confidence in functioning effectively in culturally diverse settings. You demonstrate this competency when you:

are curious about new surroundings and cultures
actively seek out learning opportunities within diverse cultural contexts
welcome the opportunity to learn more about the geography and culture of where you live, work and study
take initiative to explore your environment
actively network with people from different cultures
take interest in current events locally and globally
engage with people in your employer organization and community
network with diverse communities and organizations
recognize your intercultural capabilities and seek areas to improve

2. CQ Knowledge means that you have a good understanding of how cultures are similar or different. You demonstrate this competency when you:

recognize and respect cultural diversity
learn appropriate, effective ways to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds
have knowledge of cultural values and business systems
know how to be diplomatic and sensitive to the dynamics of a culturally diverse workplace
understand how to communicate with people who speak or write a different language
know how to be adept in a new environment
understand ways to cope with constant change
learn phrases in a new language, or learn a new language

3. CQ Strategy means that you use your knowledge and understanding of different cultures to plan effective intercultural interactions. You demonstrate this competency when you:

are conscious of your assumptions relating to cultural issues and question them at all times
think about how you can take initiative to learn from co-workers from different cultural backgrounds
plan how to pursue networking opportunities with people with culturally diverse backgrounds
consider new strategies during each cultural encounter
check for opportunities for cultural growth
consider how your area of study is applicable in a global context

4. CQ Action means that you demonstrate flexibility in your interactions and are able to recognize and adapt to cultural nuances in the workplace and beyond. You demonstrate this competency when you:

display a positive attitude towards change and new environments
recognize and adapt to cultural differences in communication
change your verbal and nonverbal behaviours according to different situations
demonstrate that you can acknowledge the human, interpersonal and technical sides of a problem
show flexibility and explore possible solutions in an innovative and creative way

Put these in action: see using competencies to learn how to use, measure and describe your competencies.

Develop your CQ skills

We’ve developed a curriculum to help you connect effectively with people from diverse cultures, experiences and communities.

Embrace Diversity – Developing your Cultural Intelligence

introduces students to culture, cultural values and cultural intelligence
included in the Introduction to Professional Practice (IPP) course that all students complete before their first work term

Take Flight with Co-op – Preparing for Your Work Term Abroad

delivered online, this curriculum is for students embarking on an international work term
read about the country you are going to
anticipate cultural challenges you may encounter
learn how to plan for success in that cultural context

Drive to CQ Effectiveness

for students returning from international experiences
discuss cultural challenges you encountered:
- the cultural values inherent in these challenges
- how your CQ competencies helped you navigate these challenges
- how to articulate the CQ competencies you gained when searching for future jobs

Succeeding in your Canadian Job Search

for students from international pathways who are used to different job search strategies and workplace culture than those common in Canada
this curriculum covers these differences and how to use your CQ competencies to succeed in your Canadian job search and in Canadian workplaces.