The concept of 'cultural intelligence' (CQ) has gained traction in organizational psychology as a framework for understanding cross-cultural effectiveness. Unlike emotional intelligence, which focuses on intrapersonal and interpersonal abilities, CQ specifically addresses an individual's capacity to adapt to diverse cultural contexts. Researchers argue that CQ comprises four distinct dimensions: metacognitive (awareness of cultural assumptions), cognitive (knowledge of norms and practices), motivational (interest in engaging with other cultures), and behavioral (ability to modify verbal and non-verbal actions). A growing body of evidence suggests that high CQ predicts better performance in multicultural teams, negotiation outcomes, and expatriate adjustment. However, critics caution that CQ may overlap with general cognitive ability and personality traits, questioning its incremental validity. Despite these debates, the practical implications remain significant, prompting organizations to incorporate CQ training into leadership development programs.