The article “Cultural Intelligence Increase Professional Success among Immigrant Workers? A Quebec-Based Study” written by Gildas Agbon and Samalta Ouedraogo delves into the relationship between Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and professional success (PS) among immigrants, revealing unexpected insights into how cultural skills impact career outcomes. While CQ—particularly the motivational and behavioural aspects—proved crucial for achieving intermediate success, it did not predict ultimate career success, challenging common assumptions about merit-based integration.

Intermediate Success vs. Ultimate Career Success
The study found that CQ helped immigrants successfully integrate into organizations, facilitating socialization and fostering cooperation. However, despite these positive contributions, CQ failed to directly influence ultimate career outcomes, such as promotions or compensation. This “absent presence” effect suggests that while cultural intelligence helps immigrants adapt to their roles, it may not be enough to overcome structural barriers—like discrimination or unequal recognition of foreign qualifications—that limit their career trajectories.

The North/South Divide in Professional Success
The study also uncovered a striking divide between immigrants from the Global North and Global South. While immigrants from more privileged Global North countries (e.g., the US, France) showed a positive relationship between CQ and professional success, those from the Global South faced significant structural challenges that hindered their advancement, regardless of their cultural competencies. This discrepancy points to the limitations of the transactional model of immigrant success, which emphasizes individual effort, and calls for a broader focus on addressing systemic barriers.

The Enduring Influence of Structural Barriers
Additionally, the study highlights the importance of structural factors—such as education, union dynamics, and access to high-quality jobs—that often determine career success, suggesting that CQ alone cannot explain wage disparities or underemployment among immigrants.

A Hybrid Approach to Immigrant Integration
The findings underscore the need for a hybrid approach to immigrant integration—one that balances individual competencies like CQ with strong structural support systems. This approach offers a more nuanced perspective on how to improve professional opportunities for immigrants, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Rethinking Immigrant Professional Success
This research calls for a reevaluation of how society and organizations view and support immigrant integration, advocating for policies that foster a more equitable professional landscape. For a deeper exploration of how cultural intelligence intersects with structural factors in shaping immigrant success, read the full article.