The concept of 'cultural intelligence' (CQ) has gained prominence 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 capability to function and manage effectively in culturally diverse settings. Researchers have identified 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 flexibility to exhibit appropriate verbal and nonverbal actions when interacting with people from other cultures. Studies suggest that high CQ is a better predictor of expatriate job performance than technical expertise alone, as it enables individuals to navigate ambiguous cultural cues and build trust with local counterparts.