Relationship Between Cultural Intelligence with Communication Skills and Social Interactions of Emergency Department Staff: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: Globalization is accompanied by cultural diversity. Although cultural differences are considered an integral part of this phenomenon, it seems that language barriers would make communication difficult. This study aimed to investigate how cultural intelligence correlates with the communication skills and social interactions of 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 included the Cultural Intelligence Scale, Communication Skills Scale, and Social Interactions Questionnaire. Results: The results of this study revealed that the participants’ total mean scores of cultural intelligence and communication skills were 85.78 ± 6.24 out of 140 and 55.41 ± 3.9 out of 90, respectively. In terms of social interactions, the mean score of the positive thoughts dimension of the subjects (47.86 ± 4.14) was higher than that of negative thoughts (33.01 ± 3.92). The total score of cultural intelligence had a positive correlation with communication skills; accordingly, an increase in the cultural intelligence level resulted in an increase in positive thoughts and a decrease in negative thoughts (P < 0.001). Conclusions: An increase in the cultural intelligence of ED staff members is accompanied by an increase in their communication skills and positive thoughts. For the improvement of the communication and service quality of the ED, leaders are recommended to provide some courses to enhance the cultural intelligence and cultural competence of their employees.

The Relationship Between Cultural Intelligence and Cultural Competence of Students of Nursing and Midwifery During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In some studies, the CQ of healthcare professionals was at a moderate level. 14 , 15 , 23 Rahim Rahimaghaee et al reported that nurses’ CQ level was high. 24 These differences are attributed to cultural differences in research environments.…”

“… 19 CQS has been used in previous studies in Iran and its validity and reliability have been confirmed. 20 , 21 In this study, the questionnaire was given to 10 experts. Corrections were made based on expert opinions.…”

“…These students have good cultural intelligence (CQ). Also, it has been evidenced that there is a relationship between CQ and social interactions, communication skills, 14 , 15 professional competence, 16 and leadership. 17 However, no study has been found on the relationship between CQ and CC.…”

Peer Attachment and Proactive Socialization Behavior: The Moderating Role of Social Intelligence

“…In this process, social intelligence is an important boundary condition and a good predictor of personnel selection, which can help organizations identify highly adaptable and resilient employees [ 49 ]. High social intelligence is more likely to lead to the formation of positive peer relationships due to better interpersonal communications and change the temporary alienation state, thereby preventing negative self-perceptions and reducing proactive behaviors [ 63 , 64 ].…”

“…Research studies have also shown that there is a linear positive correlation between communication skills and social intelligence level [ 62 ]. Higher social intelligence is accompanied by improved communication skills and positive traits [ 63 ]. Even when faced with alienated peer relationships, people with high social intelligence are usually good at coordinating resources, actively responding to challenges in inexperienced environments, and using appropriate strategies to deal with threats so as to integrate into the organization as soon as possible [ 64 ].…”