Individual differences among global/multicultural individuals: : Cultural experiences, identity, and adaptation

Drawing on psychological research, the authors examine how individuals who have been exposed to multiple cultures differ in their cultural experiences, cultural identities, and adaptation to foreign cultures. A survey of multicultural business students found that those who first moved to a foreign country at a relatively younger age and moved to relatively more countries over their lives constituted a distinct subset of multicultural individuals. Labeling these individuals globals, they found that such individuals were less likely to identify with cultural groups and less culturally adaptive. These results suggest that there is no single type of multiculturalism and that having more and earlier multicultural experiences does not necessarily predict better adaptation outcomes. More nuanced examination of multicultural individuals' past experiences and psychology is needed to understand how they can better leverage their skills as global leaders.