Social Intelligence and Cultural Intelligence as Predictors of National Identity among Public University Students of Ethiopia

Abstract This study aimed to examine the predictive abilities of social intelligence (SI) and cultural intelligence (CQ) in relation to national identity (NI). We assessed the relationships among these constructs and their predictive power for NI among students at Ethiopian public universities. A total of 441 students were randomly selected from four universities to participate in the study. We used adapted and validated instruments to collect the data. We used the Pearson correlation to explore the strength and existence of linear relationships between the variables prior to testing the predictive model. We performed sequential multiple linear regression to determine the proportion of variance in the outcome variable explained by the independent variables. We also evaluated the degree of prediction to the criterion variable made by the key predictor variables (SI and CQ), while controlling for demographic variables. Overall, the model emerged as a significant predictor of national identity. Cultural intelligence possessed greater predictive power than SI. The study introduces a new framework of inquiry, highlighting the importance of SI and CQ in relation to NI. We recommend that researchers and stakeholders consider these constructs to enhance understanding in social cognitive studies and to promote togetherness and peaceful coexistence.