In today’s era of globalization, the ability to understand and adapt to various cultures is increasingly important, especially in a multicultural academic environment. Academic librarians, who are at the forefront of providing information and knowledge, are required not only to be skilled in library management but also to possess high cultural intelligence. This article is based on the journal titled “Cultural Intelligence and Job Performance of Academic Librarians,” which explores how cultural intelligence can impact the performance of librarians in academic settings.
What is Cultural Intelligence?
Cultural intelligence, often referred to as CQ (Cultural Intelligence Quotient), is the ability of an individual to adapt and interact effectively in different cultural contexts. CQ encompasses four main dimensions:
- Metacognitive CQ: The ability to be aware of and understand cultural differences during interactions.
- Cognitive CQ: Knowledge of different cultural norms, practices, and conventions.
- Motivational CQ: The desire and energy to learn and adapt to other cultures.
- Behavioral CQ: The ability to behave appropriately in different cultural contexts.
Academic librarians with high CQ are capable of navigating cultural challenges that arise in interactions with students, staff, and faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds, thereby enhancing their performance in fulfilling their duties.
The Importance of Cultural Intelligence in Librarians’ Performance
This journal highlights how cultural intelligence directly impacts the performance of academic librarians. In the context of increasingly diverse higher education institutions, librarians often interact with users from various countries and cultures. Here are some reasons why CQ is so important:
- Better Service: Librarians with high CQ can provide more personalized and relevant services to users from diverse cultural backgrounds. They can understand the specific needs of users based on their cultural context, thereby increasing user satisfaction and engagement.
- Effective Communication: Effective cross-cultural communication is key to ensuring that the information provided is well understood by all users. Librarians with high CQ are able to adjust their communication style to overcome cultural and language barriers.
- Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Librarians often work in multicultural teams, both within the library and in international collaborations. CQ enables them to collaborate more effectively, appreciate different perspectives, and minimize conflicts caused by cultural misunderstandings.
- Innovation and Adaptation: In the digital era and globalization, librarians face the challenge of continually innovating and adapting to technological developments and changing user needs. CQ provides a foundation for embracing change, exploring new ideas, and implementing solutions that meet diverse cultural needs.
Case Study: The Performance of Librarians with High CQ
In this journal, several case studies are presented to show how academic librarians with high CQ successfully improve their performance. For example, a librarian at an international university managed to design an engaging and inclusive library orientation program for new international students. By understanding the cultural challenges these students faced, the librarian was able to create a more comfortable and supportive learning environment.
Conclusion: Why Librarians Need to Develop Cultural Intelligence
Cultural intelligence is an essential competency for academic librarians in the era of globalization. With high CQ, librarians can not only improve their overall performance but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. Investing in CQ development through continuous training and education will greatly benefit not only the librarians themselves but also the academic community as a whole.
Link Journal : https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/cultural-intelligence-and-job-performance-of-academic-librarians-