> Unique software tool measures cultural IQ
Unique software tool measures cultural IQ
Contact:
David Thomas, SFU Business, 778.782.7709; dcthomas@sfu.ca
Julie Ovenell-Carter, PAMR, 778.782.4323; joc@sfu.ca
David Thomas, SFU Business, 778.782.7709; dcthomas@sfu.ca
Julie Ovenell-Carter, PAMR, 778.782.4323; joc@sfu.ca
March 3, 2008
A new web-based tool for assessing an individual’s cultural competence
could help corporations and government agencies predict whether or not
an employee will be effective on an overseas assignment or a good
leader or participant on a multicultural work team.
The unique cultural-intelligence assessment software program is the result of a three-year project led by SFU Business professor David Thomas. The program evaluates cultural knowledge and cross-cultural skills such as perceptual acuity, tolerance for ambiguity, relational skills, adaptability, tolerance for uncertainty and empathy. It can also determine how well an individual attends to and adjusts to the cultural aspects of a situation.
The program incorporates a variety of assessment methods to compensate for deficiencies in any single method.
“Failed cross-cultural interactions are costly to both organizations and individuals,” says Thomas. “We’ve already had interest from both business and government agencies who recognize the benefits of more effectively managing people from different cultures.”
He anticipates the new software will be used to predict cross-cultural behaviour, assess strengths and then train for cultural intelligence. It has wide-ranging implications for healthcare, law enforcement, peace-keeping and multinational corporations.
Members of the research project met with government and corporate representatives in Vancouver in mid-February to discuss prospects for further development and commercialization of the tool.
-30- (Digital image available by request)
The unique cultural-intelligence assessment software program is the result of a three-year project led by SFU Business professor David Thomas. The program evaluates cultural knowledge and cross-cultural skills such as perceptual acuity, tolerance for ambiguity, relational skills, adaptability, tolerance for uncertainty and empathy. It can also determine how well an individual attends to and adjusts to the cultural aspects of a situation.
The program incorporates a variety of assessment methods to compensate for deficiencies in any single method.
“Failed cross-cultural interactions are costly to both organizations and individuals,” says Thomas. “We’ve already had interest from both business and government agencies who recognize the benefits of more effectively managing people from different cultures.”
He anticipates the new software will be used to predict cross-cultural behaviour, assess strengths and then train for cultural intelligence. It has wide-ranging implications for healthcare, law enforcement, peace-keeping and multinational corporations.
Members of the research project met with government and corporate representatives in Vancouver in mid-February to discuss prospects for further development and commercialization of the tool.
-30- (Digital image available by request)