The concept of 'cultural intelligence' (CQ) has gained prominence in organizational psychology as a measure of an individual's ability to function effectively in culturally diverse settings. Unlike general intelligence, CQ emphasizes adaptive behaviors, such as interpreting unfamiliar gestures and adjusting communication styles, rather than abstract reasoning. Researchers argue that CQ comprises four dimensions: metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral. While cognitive CQ involves knowledge of norms and practices in different cultures, metacognitive CQ refers to the conscious awareness and regulation of cultural assumptions during interactions. A key finding is that high CQ correlates with better performance in multinational teams, but only when combined with emotional resilience. Without the latter, individuals may over-adapt, leading to identity confusion and reduced job satisfaction. Thus, CQ is not merely about acquiring cultural facts but about developing a flexible mindset that balances adaptation with personal authenticity.
❓ According to the passage, what is a crucial limitation of high cultural intelligence?
A. It often leads to excessive focus on abstract reasoning.
B. It may cause identity issues if not paired with emotional resilience.
C. It reduces job satisfaction in homogeneous teams.
D. It primarily relies on memorizing cultural norms.
✅ 正确答案
It may cause identity issues if not paired with emotional resilience.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first