The relationship between learning-goal orientation and cross-cultural adjustment with the mediating effect of cultural intelligence

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2349_HRM&PD15.10

Authors: Dr. Angela Shin-Yih Chen, Dr. Yi-Chun Lin and Miss Yu-Chen Lin

Abstract:
The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of learning-goal orientation (LGO) and cultural intelligence (CQ) on individuals’ cross-cultural adjustment. We collected data from international students studying at the universities of northern Taiwan. A pilot test was completed by 30 international students to ensure the reliability of the instrument, and the result was acceptable. Some 350 copies of paper-based questionnaires were distributed, and 259 valid copies were returned, representing a 74{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} return rate. We adopted hierarchical regression to analyze the data and to test the effects of learning-goal orientation on CQ and cross-cultural adjustment after controlling for gender, age, duration of stay in Taiwan, international experience, and English and Chinese language ability, respectively. In addition, we examined the mediation effect of CQ on the relationship between LGO and cross-cultural adjustment. The results demonstrated that LGO had a positive effect on general and interaction adjustment. Moreover, we found that LGO was an essential determinant of an individual’s CQ, and CQ mediated the relationship between LGO and both general and interaction adjustment. Our findings contribute new knowledge to the field of cross-cultural studies. The findings indicate that individuals with a strong learning motivation and cultural learning ability would adjust better to an unfamiliar environment. In addition, the present study discovered that learning-goal orientation may be the predictor of one’s CQ, so both elements can help individuals to adapt effectively to a different culture.

Keywords: learning-goal orientation, cultural intelligence, cross-cultural adjustment