The impact of international experience on global leadership potential: The sequential moderated mediation effect of cultural intelligence and intercultural adjustment
Scandinavian Journal of Management, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.scaman.2026.101469
- Journal Name: Scandinavian Journal of Management
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Psycinfo
- Keywords: Cultural intelligence, Global leadership potential, Intercultural adjustment
- Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study delves into the intricate relationship among international experience, cultural intelligence, and global leadership potential. Through data analysis involving 312 employees, we uncover that cultural intelligence acts as a mediator between international experience and global leadership capabilities, further facilitated by intercultural adjustment. Notably, individuals with higher levels of extraversion and agreeableness demonstrate a more robust connection between international experience and cultural intelligence, whereas lower extraversion levels reshape this dynamic. Extraversion and agreeableness serve as moderators, influencing both the direct impact of international experience on cultural intelligence and its indirect effect on global leadershippotential. By combining the learning and personality theories within the framework of social cognitive theory, this research highlights the nuanced interplay shaping cross-cultural interactions and global leadership potential.