Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between cultural intelligence (CQ), expatriate and spousal/partner adjustment, and satisfaction with an overseas military assignment at a NATO Air Force base. Cultural Intelligence was measured using the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS) by Ang, et al. (2007). Expatriate adjustment was measured using the Expatriate Adjustment scale by Black & Stephens (1989). Spouse/partner adjustment was measured using the Spouse Adjustment scale by Black & Stephens (1989). Satisfaction was measured with a 5-item scale developed by the researchers. All data was collected via an online survey. There were 178 Airmen respondents and 89 spouse/partner respondents. Significant, positive relationships were found between cultural intelligence and adjustment. A regression analysis indicated that motivational CQ was the strongest driver of adjustment for both spouses/partners and Airmen. Significant, positive relationships were found between adjustment and satisfaction with the overall assignment, and more specifically, satisfaction with life on base. Regression analysis indicated that general adjustment predicted overall satisfaction for spouses/partners and Airmen. Interaction adjustment predicted base satisfaction for spouses/partners. Both general and work adjustment predicted base satisfaction for Airmen. In the Airmen sample, support was found for adjustment as a mediator between CQ and overall satisfaction, but this support was not found in the partner sample. Overall, CQ was a significant predictor of adjustment, and adjustment was a significant predictor of satisfaction. There was partial support for adjustment as a mediator between CQ and satisfaction
