The myths of successful expatriation: Does higher emotional intelligence lead to better cultural intelligence?

Abstract

Why superior ability sometimes leads to expatriation failure? Multinational corporations are facing the selection dilemma that expatriates are equipped with the strongest capability, but they still underperform. To address the puzzle, we explored the nonlinear relationship between emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence, and further examined its effects on expatriation outcomes. Drawing from cognitive-appraisal theory, results from a two-wave survey of 405 expatriates revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between emotional intelligence and motivational cultural intelligence, and a positive relationship between emotional intelligence and behavioral cultural intelligence. Specifically, high levels of emotional intelligence can exert a detrimental effect on the development of motivational cultural intelligence, while facilitating behavioral cultural intelligence. These effects further impact expatriation outcomes. In addition, perceived cultural distance is found to moderate these relationships. The findings challenge the conventional assumption that cross-cultural ability is positively and linearly related to performance. This study contributes to the expatriation literature by unveiling the intriguing myth: the strongest ability does not always equate to the best fit. These insights offer valuable guidance for multinational corporations in expatriate selection and management practices.