Citation:

Shafwan Haidar Iskandar, Andika Putra Pratama. "The Influence of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on the Work Performance of Indonesian Employees in the Context of China-Indonesia Collaborative Engagements" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 197-205, 2025.

Abstract:

As China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to influence worldwide infrastructure expansion, intercultural collaboration has emerged as a critical success factor in joint venture operations. This study examines the relationships between Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and work performance among Indonesian employees in an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) China-Indonesia joint venture within a power generation company established under the BRI framework. Employing a quantitative research design, data were gathered through the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS) and Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) to assess the four dimensions of CQ (Meta-cognitive, Cognitive, Motivational and Behavioral) and their association with task and contextual performance. The data were examined using Partial Least Squares –Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). It shows that CQ positively influences employee performance, with the motivational dimension (Drive CQ) showing the strongest effect. While the impact of each CQ dimension varies, the findings emphasize that overall CQ development is vital for supporting employee effectiveness in cross-cultural work environments. The study identifies a lack of structured intercultural training and language support as persistent challenges that limit the full realization of employee potential. These insights highlight the strategic value of integrating CQ development into organizational learning and HR practices, particularly in multicultural joint venture settings. The research contributes to the larger discourse on workforce localization and cross-cultural competency in emerging economies and provides actionable recommendations for enhancing collaboration and productivity in multinational operations.

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Keywords:

Cultural Intelligence, Work Performance, Joint Venture, Belt and Road Initiative, Cross-cultural collaboration.