The Relationship Between the Cultural Intelligence, Communication Skills, and Social Interactions of Emergency Department Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Globalization is accompanied by cultural diversity. Although cultural differences are an integral part of this phenomenon, it seems that language barriers would make communication difficult. This study investigates how cultural intelligence (CQ) correlates with communication skills (CSs) and social interactions (SIs) of emergency department (ED) staff members. This study investigates how cultural intelligence (CQ) correlates with communication skills (CSs) and social interactions (SIs) of the emergency department (ED) staff members.Methods: This Cross-sectional study was performed on 197 ED staff members of three hospitals in Zanjan-Iran in 2019. The tools used for data collection include the Cultural Intelligence Scale, Communication Skills Scale, and Social Interaction Questionnaires.Results: The results of this study revealed that the mean CQ score of participants was 85.78 ± 6.24 out of 140 and the total mean score of CSs was 55.41 ± 3.9 out of 90. In terms of SIs, the mean score of the positive thoughts dimension of the subjects (47.86 ± 4.14) was more than that of negative thoughts (33.01 ± 3.92). The total score of CQ had a positive correlation with CSs such that an increase in the CQ level results in an increase in positive thoughts and a decrease in negative thoughts (P< 0.001).Conclusions: An increase in CQ of the ED staff members is accompanied by an increase in their CSs and positive thoughts. To improve the communication and service quality of the ED, leaders are recommended to provide some courses to enhance the CQ and cultural competence level of their employees.