Multicultural competence: an empirical comparison of intercultural sensitivity and cultural intelligence

Numerous frameworks have been proposed for describing the set of capabilities associated with multicultural competence. Although overlaps between some frameworks have been discussed, a theory that reconciles conflicting views is still missing. A fundamental reason for the absence of such theory is the scarcity of efforts devoted to contrasting frameworks and identifying generalisable features. This study compares two leading frameworks in the literature, Intercultural Sensitivity (IS) and Cultural Intelligence (CQ). Relying on a sample of undergraduate students (N = 98) who participated in a study-abroad program in Mexico, the study compares IS and CQ's nomological networks. Results indicate overlaps between the cognitive components of CQ and IS. Findings also show that personality traits work as antecedents for both frameworks. Finally, results suggest that, when predicting behavioural adaptation, the variance of fine-grained competencies outperforms broad operationalisations of the general competence. The discussion section addresses the theoretical implications of results for future conceptualisations of intercultural competence and lists practical implications of findings.