Abstract
In today’s interconnected world, nearly every organization operates in a global context – even those that appear local. Whether it’s having one or two expatriates on staff or working with international clients and partners, cross-cultural interactions are more common than ever, especially with the shift to online work. These daily exchanges with people from diverse backgrounds present an opportunity. Cultural Intelligence – the ability to navigate and adapt to different cultural contexts – can be a valuable tool for turning those interactions into sources of creativity and innovation in the workplace. Emerging research suggests that cultural intelligence (CQ) can help increase innovative behavior in global organizations. With globalization accelerating, workplaces are increasingly multicultural. For Chinese expatriates working across 25 countries, being open to cultural differences didn’t just help them adapt – it was also associated with higher levels of creativity and innovation.