A qualitative evaluation of the cultural intelligence of exchange students in dealing with Thai culture.

Abstract

This paper will discuss about the cultural intelligence (CQ) in terms of the four-factor model of CQ. The model includes metacognitive intelligence, cognitive intelligence, motivational intelligence and behavioral intelligence and three indicators of CQ. In addition, this study is made to determine the rationale that some individuals adjust their behaviors effectively than others in the same cultural situations. This research focuses on three exchange students who study at the College of Management in Mahidol University (CMMU). The data were gathered through a case study approach with in-depth open-ended interviews and self-assessment test based on the cultural intelligence framework. The qualitative information was analyzed through content analysis. Each respondent was analyzed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis through the cultural intelligence framework. The evaluation implied that exchange students with high cultural intelligence could easily deal with different cultural situations. KEY WORDS: Cultural Intelligence (CQ) /Exchange students /Open-ended interviews /Self-assessment test /Thailand