Associations between personality traits, cross-cultural competence and cultural intelligence of nurses: a national cross-sectional study in Poland

BACKGROUND: Personality development plays an essential role in shaping cross-cultural competences, with the emotional-motivational aspect being crucial. OBJECTIVE: To assess cross-cultural competences and cultural intelligence among nurses in Poland and to examine their associations with personality traits. DESIGN AND SETTING: A nationwide, cross-sectional mixed-mode survey conducted between 2022 and 2024 among 606 nurses from all Polish voivodeships. METHODS: Standardized tools were used: Cross-Cultural Competence Inventory (CCCI), Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS), and NEO-FFI Personality Inventory. RESULTS: Descriptively, the mean item score was 3.72 for cross-cultural competence and 3.65 for cultural intelligence. Descriptively, CCCI subscale mean item scores ranged from 2.61 for "tolerance" to 4.54 for "mission". Extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness were positively associated with cross-cultural competence, whereas neuroticism was negatively associated with it. No significant link. CONCLUSIONS: The findings describe cross-cultural competence and cultural intelligence scores among Polish nurses and show significant associations with selected personality traits. REGISTRATION: Not registered.