An overview of the cultural intelligence studies toward cultural gap bridging behavior

Background Cultural intelligence (CQ) is crucial for successful cross-cultural interactions, particularly in the context of increasing diversity and globalization. Notwithstanding the increasing research in this domain, numerous theoretical and empirical gaps remain unresolved. Objective This study aims to identify key conceptual frameworks and highlight unresolved research gaps, thereby informing future scholarly work and practical applications. Methods A systematic review of existing literature was conducted to synthesize the current understanding of cultural intelligence through a comprehensive literature analysis using the Scopus database, resulting in an initial collection of 4942 documents related to cultural intelligence. This study applied inclusion criteria to select 112 English-language publications from 2019 to 2023 that were relevant to the theme, providing a comprehensive review. Results The review found considerable advances in CQ conceptualization and assessment but limitations in behavioral research and context-specific measuring techniques. The methodology allows empirical studies to evaluate how CQ affects cross-cultural behaviors, such as cultural gap bridging and performance. Conclusions Addressing these theoretical and empirical gaps will enhance both academic understanding and practical development of CQ, facilitating more effective intercultural interactions in diverse settings. Further research should focus on developing behavioral measures, exploring contextual influences, and designing targeted interventions to cultivate CQ competencies.