Title: A quest for global entrepreneurs: the importance of cultural intelligence on commitment to entrepreneurial education

Authors: Marilyn M. Helms; Raina M. Rutti; Melanie Lorenz; Jase Ramsey; Craig E. Armstrong

Addresses: School of Business, Dalton State College, 650 College Drive, Dalton, GA 30720, USA ' School of Business, Dalton State College, 650 College Drive, Dalton, GA 30720, USA ' Department of Marketing, University of Alabama, P.O. Box 8770225, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0225, USA ' International Business, St. Louis University, 3674 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA ' University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0225, USA

Abstract: This article extends the management construct of cultural intelligence (CQ) to the entrepreneurship literature by examining CQ in the context of commitment to entrepreneurial education as a proxy for entrepreneurial intentions. Using a convenience sample of students enrolled in an entrepreneurship class, we investigated the relationships of international experience, CQ and commitment to entrepreneurial education. Our findings suggest international experience is positively related to CQ (H1) and CQ is positively related to commitment to entrepreneurial education (H2). Additionally, CQ mediates the relationship between international experience and commitment (H3). This research demonstrates the usefulness of CQ within the entrepreneurial context in the expanding global economy. Discussion and areas for future research focus on further testing of the proposed relationships in other entrepreneurial populations. Also, implications for entrepreneurial training and education related to increasing CQ through study and travel/living/working abroad should be explored.

Keywords: cultural intelligence; global entrepreneurs; international management; mediator analysis; entrepreneurship education; educational commitment; international experience; entrepreneurial intentions; entrepreneurship training; overseas study; overseas travel; overseas working; studying abroad; travelling abroad; working abroad; internationalisation; global economies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2014.065528

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2014 Vol.23 No.3, pp.385 - 404

Received: 05 Apr 2014
Accepted: 04 Jun 2014
Published online: 07 Nov 2014 *

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