An Empirical Examination of Knowledge and Skill Predictors of Cultural Adaptive Performance

Gonzalo Ferro

Advisor: Jose M Cortina, PhD, CHSSWeb Design Preview

Committee Members: Stephen Zaccaro, David Kravitz

Research Hall, #91
April 25, 2014, 02:00 PM to 11:00 AM

Abstract:

Research in the area of cross-cultural performance has been hampered, in part, by the lack of an agreed upon definition for this type of performance. This research defines cultural adaptive performance (CAP) in a way that avoids confounding predictors, performance, and outcomes when defining cross-cultural performance. It suggests that CAP has two components: learning behaviors and integrating behaviors. In addition, this research explores the predictive validity of various knowledge and skills related to CAP components. A total of 104 U.S. Army soldiers going through a field training exercise involving cross-cultural interactions participated in this research. Results indicate differential relationships between knowledge and skills and both CAP components. Implications of this research for selection and training are discussed.