Fostering cultural intelligence

Did you know that May 21 is the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development? This day recognizes cultural diversity and the importance of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace, understanding and sustainable development.

As described in Connect. Inspire. Transform. MRU’s 2023-2030 Academic Plan, “Recognizing a plurality of values across cultures and communities, intercultural competence is the ability to navigate and adapt to diverse contexts by understanding and respecting each other’s differences and backgrounds.” In today’s interconnected world, these skills play an important role in how we learn from, work with and relate to one another across differences.

In recognition of this day, Yemi Adeyemi, manager of Wellness Services’ Healthy Campus Team, and Narissa Jessa, education and development specialist with MRU’s Office of Community and Belonging, co-facilitated a workshop titled, “Building Cultural Intelligence for Work, Leadership and Community.”

During the session, participants moved beyond surface-level awareness, exploring how reflection, motivation, knowledge and behaviour shape cross-cultural interactions. Participants explored the cultural intelligence (CQ) framework in detail, including its four dimensions:

• Metacognitive CQ (how I think): awareness and reflection during cross-cultural situations
• Cognitive CQ (what I understand): knowledge of norms, values and cultural patterns
• Motivational CQ (why I engage): interest, confidence and persistence across difference
• Behavioural CQ (how I adapt): adjusting communication and behaviour appropriately

“Cultural intelligence is not about mastering every culture. It is about leading with curiosity, checking our assumptions and adapting with humility so others feel seen, heard and valued,” Adeyemi says.

“Building intercultural understanding begins with creating spaces where people feel comfortable sharing, listening and learning from one another,” Jessa says.

May is also recognized as Asian Heritage Month, Canadian Jewish Heritage Month and Polish Heritage Month. Together, these observances provide opportunities to celebrate diverse histories, experiences and contributions while encouraging reflection, learning and dialogue across cultures.

Intercultural dialogue is not limited to formal workshops or observances. It also happens through everyday conversations, relationships and actions that foster understanding and belonging.

As Mount Royal continues to recognize Days and Months of Significance throughout the year, meaningful dialogue across cultures can help foster understanding, belonging and connection within our community.