The concept of 'cultural intelligence' (CQ) has gained prominence in cross-cultural management research. Unlike emotional intelligence, which focuses on intrapersonal and interpersonal abilities, CQ specifically addresses an individual's capacity to function effectively in culturally diverse settings. Scholars identify four distinct dimensions of CQ: metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral. The metacognitive dimension refers to the mental processes used to acquire and understand cultural knowledge, while the cognitive dimension encompasses actual knowledge about norms, practices, and conventions in different cultures. Motivational CQ concerns the drive and interest to adapt to new cultural contexts, and behavioral CQ involves the capability to exhibit appropriate verbal and non-verbal actions when interacting with people from other cultures. Research suggests that high CQ is a stronger predictor of successful international assignments than technical expertise alone, as it enables individuals to navigate ambiguous cultural cues and build trust across cultural boundaries.