Expatriate Performance in International Assignments: The Role of Cultural Intelligence as Dynamic Intercultural Competency

Abstract

This paper investigates the affects of dynamic intercultural competency of cultural intelligence and itsdimensions on expatriate job performance. Based on sample of 332 expatriates working in Malaysia, culturalintelligence found to be a vital intercultural competency that facilitates expatriates job performance ininternational assignments. Specifically, the results of this study reveal that expatriates in Malaysia with greatermeta-cognitive and behavioral cultural intelligence fared better in their contextual performance. Greaterassignment specific performance related to greater behavioral cultural intelligence. The findings of this studycontributes to the body of knowledge in the cross-cultural management field as well as practical implication toexpatriating firms especially in the area of selection and hiring of international candidates.