International Leadership Development Based on Cultural Intelligence
The world is changing into a smaller and smaller village day in day out. When such happens, the implication is that the labor force of country A can be easily afforded by country B. If there is real leadership potential in country A compared to that in country B, the latter can opt to go for the quality type in country A. This is advantageous as it puts both countries at the same level of competing considering that the types of labor force at the disposal of both countries are similar. Unless leaders are culturally intelligent, they will find it hard adapting to a new environment. The result is below par administration service, which will not be accepted. Cultural intelligence refers to that ability of an individual to function effectively and efficiently in environments characterized by cultural diversity. Due to globalization, the American learning system teaches its students cultural intelligence as one way of preparing them for international leadership opportunities. Through allowing them to learn and practice cultural intelligence, they are better placed to solve issues associated with leadership in the most effective manner.
Leading with cultural intelligence gives a person an edge of managing an organization or group of people at any location worldwide as long as communication is not a problem. The learning system in America that teaches the student on how to lead with cultural intelligence is a four-stage program. It is programmed in a unique way that helps leaders discover and cultivate their cultural intelligence. The first stage is the cultural intelligence drive. It is motivational in nature; that is, showing confidence, drive and interest of adapting cross-cultural. Stage 2 is cultural intelligence knowledge that is cognitive. It is about having an inner understanding of cross-cultural differences and issues. Stage 3 is metacognitive. It is about cultural intelligence strategy that leads the student to making sense of the diversity in culture and then strategizing on it. Stage 4 is behavioral. It is the cultural intelligence action. American students are taught of the need to change non-verbal and verbal actions in order to interact appropriately cross-culturally. That way, a firm foundation is laid for them to becoming dependable international leaders.
The American undergraduate system equips students with cultural intelligence at an individual level. Students know that it is all about their individual capability, that is, performance adjustment and decision-making in culturally diverse settings. A culturally intelligent leader adapts quickly across all cultures. There are a number of benefits associated with this style of leadership. First, it becomes easier adapting with people from different cultures. A leader knows in advance how to approach issues based on cultural differences. Having been taught such knowledge and practiced it at some point, they will approach with experience and expertise. Secondly, culturally intelligent leaders solve problems quickly. It happens so because they already have tips on how to deal with such issues. This leads to smooth organizational operations.
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