A systematic review of the impact of cultural intelligence on expatriates’ behavior and outcomes: state of knowledge and research directions

Abstract

Purpose In the last few years, cultural intelligence (CQ) has attracted growing interest from researchers, particularly regarding its impact on expatriates. However, despite numerous studies, the literature remains fragmented and no recent systematic review has been conducted. This research aims to provide a concise and precise overview of studies examining the impact of cultural intelligence on expatriates up until December 2024 while identifying key directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a systematic review of 102 articles on the impact of cultural intelligence on expatriates. It identifies key themes, explores methodological approaches and examines the antecedents and effects of CQ on expatriates’ behavioral and social outcomes. Findings Four key themes emerged from the review: adjustment, knowledge transfer, satisfaction and performance and CQ development. These themes highlight how cultural intelligence influences expatriates’ experiences and effectiveness. Additionally, the study addresses methodological challenges in CQ research and emphasizes the need for further exploration of its impact across different contexts. Originality/value This research is among the first to systematically synthesize findings on cultural intelligence and expatriates, providing a structured analysis of existing literature. It also highlights gaps and proposes new avenues for research, particularly in underexplored areas such as public policy, multicultural governance and nonprofit organizations.