Meta-analysis of the impact of cross-cultural training on adjustment, cultural intelligence, and job performance

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to provide an updated meta-analysis of cross-cultural training effectiveness through quantitatively reviewing the links between cross-cultural training and three outcomes: adjustment, cultural intelligence and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from 37 independent samples from 1991 through August 2021 involving a total of 7,040 trainees, the author adopt random-effects meta-analyses method to assess the relationships between cross-cultural training and three outcomes and examine potential moderators (i.e. training phase, training method and rating source) that influence these relationships.

Findings

The meta-analytical results mainly support our hypotheses. Cross-cultural training -adjustment exhibits a medium and significant positive effect, whereas cross-cultural training is positive significantly related to job performance and cultural intelligence of small effect sizes. Training method and data source significantly moderate the cross-cultural training's impact on cultural intelligence and performance correspondingly.

Originality/value

This study considers longitudinal statistics for measuring cross-cultural training effectiveness, breaking down the inadequacy of cross-sectional measurement and covers sub-dimensions of cross-cultural training outcomes to provide more comprehensive and advanced evidence of cross-cultural training effectiveness for the latest 30 years.

Citation

Chenyang, L. (2022), "Meta-analysis of the impact of cross-cultural training on adjustment, cultural intelligence, and job performance", Career Development International, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 185-200. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-09-2020-0247