Philosophy
Cultural Intelligence
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
PHILOSOPHY
A Worldview Shaped by
Culture, Curiosity & People
Kush’s worldview has been shaped by diverse experiences across education, archaeology, development, and research. He believes culture is everything and anything created by humans a stone tool, a song, or a policy.
His journey of learning from people, places, and perspectives continues to shape his mission to nurture cultural intelligence among India’s children and youth.
JOURNEY & MILESTONES
A Journey of Curiosity, Learning & Impact
01
2010 — The Beginning
Curiosity about culture and people leads
to lifelong learning.
to lifelong learning.
02
2010 — The Beginning
Curiosity about culture and people leads
to lifelong learning.
to lifelong learning.
03
2010 — The Beginning
Curiosity about culture and people leads
to lifelong learning.
to lifelong learning.
04
2010 — The Beginning
Curiosity about culture and people leads
to lifelong learning.
to lifelong learning.
CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE
What is Cultural Intelligence?
Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is the ability to understand people from
different cultural backgrounds and to behave appropriately when
interacting with them.
different cultural backgrounds and to behave appropriately when
interacting with them.
Think
Cultural strategic thinking helps us understand before we judge.
Feel
Motivation drives us to learn, connect and keep going.
Act
Behaviour shows respect and adaptation in real situations.
The Parts of Cultural Intelligence
Cultural Strategic Thinking
The first part is cultural strategic thinking. It means thinking carefully about what is happening in a new cultural situation. A culturally intelligent person does not immediately assume that another person is rude, careless or uninterested. Instead, the person asks: “What else could this behaviour mean?” This helps prevent misunderstanding and stereotyping. Cultural strategic thinking includes cultural knowledge, awareness of one’s own assumptions and the ability to learn from new experiences.
Motivation
The second part is motivation. Understanding another culture is not enough. A person must also be willing to communicate, learn and continue trying even when mistakes occur. Cross-cultural interaction can sometimes feel uncomfortable or confusing. Motivation gives a person the confidence and patience to continue building relationships.
Behaviour
The third part is behaviour. Cultural Intelligence is shown through action. A person must be able to change communication styles, gestures, tone of voice, personal space, greetings or other behaviours when the situation requires it. For example, someone may learn to use a culturally appropriate greeting or to communicate more indirectly when direct speech could appear disrespectful.
Cultural Intelligence vs.
Emotional & Social Intelligence
Cultural Intelligence is related to, but different from, emotional and social intelligence. Emotional intelligence helps a person understand and manage emotions, while social intelligence helps a person deal effectively with others. Cultural Intelligence adds the ability to understand how cultural differences influence emotions, communication and behaviour.
The Oxford Review also presents CQ as the ability to work and communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. It emphasises that Cultural Intelligence involves awareness, understanding, respect, flexibility and the ability to adapt one's behaviour.
Archaeology teaches us patience, humility and curiosity. It reminds us that we are a small part of a long and beautiful journey of human history.