Cultural Intelligence in Expatriate Employee Success: A Critically Appraised Topic

Studies have shown a high failure rate among employees of multinational enterprises (MNEs) who work on overseas assignments. Although research often heralds cultural intelligence as an essential factor in expatriate employees, whether cultural intelligence should be the primary focus when choosing employees for overseas assignments is inconclusive. This topic paper aims to provide specific recommendations for ensuring the success of expatriate employees. More specifically, this assessment explores the effect of cultural intelligence on the success of expatriate employees. The research question is this: What is the effect of cultural intelligence on the success of expatriate employees who work for multinational enterprises? Findings as to whether cultural intelligence automatically guarantees the success of expatriate employees vary. They show that support mechanisms for expatriate employees and their family members provide better guidance for employee success. The implication is that managers must not rely solely on cultural intelligence in making overseas assignments; they also must provide support that prepares and equips expatriate employees and family members for their overseas assignment.