Cultural intelligence, perceived inclusion, trust in colleagues among employees from Russian disability-inclusive organizations

Abstract

The workplace is becoming increasingly culturally diverse, the ability and skill to effectively function in intercultural contexts is a necessity for most contemporary employees. Cultural intelligence highlights the reason why certain individuals could adapt and perform more productively than others. It has been growingly discussed in the business area and noticed in the field of ethnic identity and culturalconflicts. However, there is rare finding about cultural intelligence in the disability-involved workenvironments. Purpose. This present study aims to investigate cultural intelligence of employees from disability inclusive organizations in Russia, and its significantly positive influence for individual perceived inclusion and trust in colleagues in the workplace. Method. A 26-item questionnaire (including Cultural Intelligence Scale, Affective Trust Scale, and Work Social Inclusion Scale) was managed with a sample size of 153 employees (48 employees with physical disabilities; 105 cooperative able-bodied colleagues).The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive analysis via SPSS 26.0 and a Structural Equation Model analysis via AMOS 26.0. Findings. Motivational and behavioral cultural intelligence were found to significantly foster individual perceived inclusion in disability-inclusive environment. Additionally, individual perceived inclusion was indicated to significantly facilitate their trust in colleagues. Research implications. This present paper sheds light on cultural intelligence as a new solution for interactive effectiveness in disability-inclusive work contexts.