The Impact of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on Task Performance Among International and Non-Malay Students in Public University

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38073/adabuna.v5i2.3743

Keywords:

Behavioral, Cultural Intelligence, UMK Students, Task Performance, UMK

Abstract

Studying in a higher learning institution is physically and mentally challenging. Students need to cope with academic requirements and adapt to foreign and new environments. Their ability to embrace the new culture is one factor in performing well in their studies, especially when they are in a homogenous culture. This study targets non-Malay and International students studying at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). By using the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) model, this study aims to find (1) the level of task performance, metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioural CQ, and (2) the relationship between task performance and other CQ variables. This study uses a quantitative research design with a survey method. This study uses stratified random sampling, in which an online questionnaire was randomly distributed to non-Malay and international students from Feb–March 2024. A total of 324 students participated in the study. SPSS V.26 is used for the data analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistics are used to answer the objectives formed. The study found that the students have a high level of cultural intelligence and task performance. In addition, task performance has a significant, positive relationship with metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioural CQ; therefore, all hypotheses are supported. The study concludes that UMK students have high CQ. They understand and respect Malay culture rooted among the Kelantanese and can adapt to it. Therefore, they can focus on their task and excel academically.

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Published

2026-07-16

How to Cite

Ismail, Marwan, Hasnah Ab Kadir, Siti Fathihah Abd Latif, and Chua Hui Wen. 2026. “The Impact of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on Task Performance Among International and Non-Malay Students in Public University”. Adabuna: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pemikiran 5 (2):197-216. https://doi.org/10.38073/adabuna.v5i2.3743.

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