An Investigation of Educational Leaders’ Cultural Intelligence to Influence Supervision Leadership: Perceptions of Ed.D. Students

There is an increased need for current and future PK–12 and higher education leaders to process high levels of cultural intelligence given the continued diversification of stakeholders served by educational institutions. Cultural intelligence is the ability to perform effectively in cross cultural settings which provides awareness of behaviors associated with making equitable and socially just decisions. This study utilized Campinha-Bacote’s (2002) Process of Cultural Competence Theoretical Framework to measure and explore the cultural intelligence of educational leaders enrolled in a Doctor of Education program. Participating doctoral students completed a two-part activity (CISA-EL) to assess their cultural intelligence within the context as educational leaders and to reflect on their personal level of awareness and understanding of cultural differences based on assessment results. Based on the findings, this paper recommends educational leadership preparation programs to further develop cultural intelligence of current and future school leaders within culturally responsive course design and curriculum.