Importance of Cultural Intelligence in the Workplace

A good company is always known for its culture. We often hear that even with loads of work, employees are happy because of the incredible culture of their organization. Company culture plays a key role in the growth of any organization. 

This blog will cover a very important aspect of company culture, which is cultural intelligence, and why it is important for your organization. 

What is Cultural Intelligence?

The ability to interact with and adapt well to different cultures is referred to as "cultural intelligence." It is the way to thrive across boundaries and across many cultural contexts. It is more than what we already know about cultural sensitivity and awareness by highlighting specific skill sets and talents required to accomplish goals without hurting others' sentiments. 

A person with cultural intelligence not only knows different cultures but is also able to adapt to new ones, communicate, and function well in a number of cultural contexts. Emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence are interrelated yet differ slightly. People with strong emotional intelligence are able to connect with others easily. 

People with high levels of cultural intelligence are sensitive to the values, beliefs, and communication patterns of individuals from many cultures. They apply this information to foster understanding and empathy in their interactions with others. Cultural intelligence cannot be measured with a score, in contrast to IQ. It should be seen as something we need to constantly work on. 

Why do we need Cultural Intelligence in our Workplace?

 
Before we get into this, let's first consider what makes top-notch organizations different from the rest. Is it putting in place an excellent plan? Providing fantastic services to the employees? Super talented people? All of these things have an impact, but only momentarily. In the end, culture is what makes it possible for a competitive advantage to last and develop over time. 

The key is in how you go about things. There has never been a stronger business case for encouraging diversity and inclusion. But how do you capitalize on diversity's advantages? However, eliminating inequality is ultimately the goal of creating more diverse organizations, inclusive cultures, and cultural intelligence. 

Our world is becoming exponentially more connected on both a corporate and personal level. Currently, expanding into new domestic and international markets offers the best chance for success. Cultural intelligence is more crucial than ever in our daily lives as global collaboration becomes progressively critical for economic success. 

In today's globalized environment, companies with workers who are culturally intelligent will be more likely to succeed. There are now too many problems for one person, one culture, or even one continent to handle alone. Therefore, fostering cross-border collaboration is crucial for efficient problem solutions. 

Why is it Important to build a Culture- Rich Organization?

A United Team

For various reasons, employees who have stronger cultural intelligence naturally function better as a team. The communication skills of certain people are superior to others when it comes to cultural intelligence. They are willing to express their thoughts and listen to those of others. In a similar way, they are less likely to take total control because they may also think about other people. 

Employees who possess cultural intelligence respect and trust their coworkers' opinions and ideas. When they have to work as a team, they are attentive, thoughtful, and polite, which is great for any company. 

A Competitive Edge to your Business

With cultural intelligence, businesses have better access to resources, information, and talent, which is a beneficial improvement. Communication technology has also fundamentally altered the nature of "global firms." Improvements in communication technology have made it possible for even small businesses and individuals to reach international markets. 

The lines between the public, private, and non-profit sectors have also blurred, making for a complicated environment that is getting harder to understand without some help and direction from professionals who are used to navigating different contexts. 

Greater Self-Awareness

People who are strong culturally are more aware. They are resilient enough to use criticism to improve themselves and advance. Employees that become defensive when offered constructive criticism are a regular problem for managers to deal with, which may be frustrating and reduce productivity. Sometimes employees find it difficult to understand their limitations.  

People with high emotional intelligence know themselves and know what they can do in a certain amount of time. Other people, on the other hand, tend to overpromise and underdeliver. 

Develops Strong Skills

Interpersonal competence is a key element of emotional intelligence. Real emotional intelligence involves more than just considering your own and other people's feelings. You must also be able to apply this information to your everyday encounters and conversations. Building connections and relationships with staff members benefit managers in work settings. Employees gain from having outstanding relationships with their supervisors and coworkers. 

What role does Company Culture Play in Employee Retention?

Raising salaries and providing whatever additional advantages the competition is dangling as a retention tactic is far from the only options. Executives in a good corporate culture are aware of their employees' unique needs for benefits, time off, and employment flexibility. When it's time for a promotion, a lateral move, or to pursue a different career path, managers assist team members in upskilling their talents and moving on. 

Although the final option may seem to be the complete antithesis of a retention strategy, there is a chance the dream seeker will either return with more knowledge and experience or become a devoted and appreciative source of job referrals. 

Business executives that work in organizations with strong cultures convey their vision simply and authentically. In a culture of support, leaders don't only write cheques to employees; they also express gratitude and appreciation to them. They give workers honest, courteous criticism, involve them in decision-making, and listen to them. 

Leaders make sure that all of their company relationships, even those that are outsourced, share the same humanity. The biggest cost of this method is the time and thought it takes, but that is nothing compared to the difficulty of finding qualified employees in a very competitive job market. 

An organization's positive workplace culture not only supports its people in leading fulfilling personal and professional lives but also solidifies it as a reputable institution in the community. However, a toxic business culture can make employees depressed and cause retention rates to plummet. Let's examine the specifics of this relationship. 

Conclusion

The way your employees perceive the culture of your organization can be greatly influenced by cultural intelligence. Your workforce can develop fresh perspectives on how to speak, act, and collaborate with others by overcoming cultural boundaries caused by customs, disciplines, and nationalities. We hope this blog has given you a new perspective on working toward your company's culture.