Developing cultural intelligence: learning together with reciprocal mentoring

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on how reciprocal mentoring can be used to make employees culturally intelligent.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conceptualize and present this framework based on their own experience in the industry and research experience in cross-cultural competence.

Findings

Workplaces today are characterized by high levels of multiculturalism. In such environments, being able to navigate this cultural diversity can be a challenge to many employees. Investing in cross-cultural training can be costly and time consuming. In such a situation, what better way to learn and appreciate cultural diversity than by bringing together two individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Reciprocal mentoring for developing cultural intelligence can be an effective practice that organizations can follow to develop intercultural competence amongst its employees.

Practical implications

The concept presented in the paper can help organizations use their own existing resources to develop cultural intelligence company-wide, rather than choosing third-party interventions/training.

Originality/value

This paper provides executives with a quick glimpse into the concept of cultural intelligence and its development through reciprocal mentoring.

Citation

Desai, S., Rao, S.A. and Jabeen, S.S. (2018), "Developing cultural intelligence: learning together with reciprocal mentoring", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 38-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-03-2018-0050