Cross-cultural competence in International Business: toward a definition and a model

Journal of International Business Studies (2006) 37, 525–543

& 2006 Academy of International Business All rights reserved 0047-2506 $30.00 www.jibs.net Cross-cultural competence in international business: toward a definition and a model
James P. Johnson1,
Tomasz Lenartowicz2 and
Salvador Apud3
1

Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins
College, Winter Park, USA; 2Deparment of
Management, International Business and
Entrepreneurship, College of Business, Florida
Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA; 3LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas, Austin,
USA
Correspondence:
Dr James P. Johnson, Crummer Graduate
School of Business, Rollins College, Office number 204, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA.
Tel: þ 1 407 646 2486;
Fax: þ 1 407 646 1550;
E-mail: [e-mail]

Abstract
Many international business failures have been ascribed to a lack of crosscultural competence (CC) on the part of business practitioners. However, the international business literature appears to lack an adequate conceptualization and definition of the term ‘CC’, focusing instead on the knowledge, skills and attributes that appear to be its antecedents. In this conceptual study, we propose a definition of CC as it applies to international business and develop a model for understanding how CC is nurtured in individuals, linking our definition to the concept of cultural intelligence. We discuss the components of the model and suggest that there are environmental and contextual impediments to the effective application of the requisite skills, knowledge and attributes that have been identified as necessary for CC, resulting in a gap between ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’. We conclude by discussing the implications of the model for practitioners, and by suggesting appropriate directions for further research.
Journal of International Business Studies (2006) 37, 525–543. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400205 Keywords: cross-cultural competence; cultural

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