Cultural intelligence in the choice of international assignments

We investigated the relationship between expatriate candidates' cultural intelligence (CQ) and organizational attractiveness, and examined the moderating role of the host location as a boundary condition of this relationship. Korean participants (N = 407) randomly took one of two assignment locations (Vietnam or US) and answered questions on individual ability in acceptance of cultures, and willingness to be assigned to an expatriate position in each location. Results show that CQ was positively related to organizational attractiveness, and applicants with high CQ weremore positive in their choice of an assignment in Vietnam (vs. US). Therefore, to recruit talented expatriates to emerging countries, in particular, managers should consider the CQ of expatriate candidates.