Cultural Intelligence and Language Competence: Synergistic Effects on Avoidance, Task Performance, and Voice Behaviors in Multicultural Teams

Catherine Peyrols Wu; Kok‐Yee Ng

doi:10.1111/apps.12287

journal article Oct 18, 2020

Cultural Intelligence and Language Competence: Synergistic Effects on Avoidance, Task Performance, and Voice Behaviors in Multicultural Teams

Catherine Peyrols Wu

Kok‐Yee Ng

Applied Psychology Vol. 70 No. 4 pp. 1512-1542 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/apps.12287

Abstract

Avoidance of culturally diverse peers undermines the benefits of multicultural teams. Using uncertainty reduction theory, we argue that team members’ cultural intelligence (CQ; the capability to work effectively in culturally diverse settings) and language competence (the ability to communicate in a language) exert main and synergistic effects on avoidance behaviors. We further propose that avoidance negatively predicts individuals’ task performance (behaviors that contribute to team outcomes) and voice behaviors (giving suggestions to improve the status quo). Put together, we test a moderated mediation model where the mediating role of avoidance between CQ and outcomes of task performance and voice behaviors is moderated by language competence. Our results, based on data collected from multicultural team members at three time points, showed no main effects of CQ and language competence on avoidance. Instead, we found synergistic effects such that CQ was negatively related to avoidance only when language competence was high. Avoidance was negatively related to peer‐rated task performance and voice behaviors. Conditional process analyses supported our moderated mediation hypothesis, suggesting that avoidance explains why people with higher CQ and higher language competence have higher task performance and voice behaviors.

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Details

Published: Oct 18, 2020
Vol/Issue: 70(4)
Pages: 1512-1542
License: View

Authors

C

Catherine Peyrols Wu

Nanyang Technological University Singapore

K

Kok‐Yee Ng

Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Cite This Article

Catherine Peyrols Wu, Kok‐Yee Ng (2020). Cultural Intelligence and Language Competence: Synergistic Effects on Avoidance, Task Performance, and Voice Behaviors in Multicultural Teams. Applied Psychology, 70(4), 1512-1542. https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12287

Cultural Intelligence and Language Competence: Synergistic Effects on Avoidance, Task Performance, and Voice Behaviors in Multicultural Teams

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