The impact of cultural intelligence on burnout among practitioners working with migrants: an examination of age, gender, training, and language proficiency

Migrants are a vulnerable population that often requires specialized care and support. Practitioners who work with migrants must be knowledgeable about the unique challenges they face. Some first-line practitioners are better equipped to work in intercultural environments because they possess higher cultural intelligence (CQ). This study aims to examine the impact of cultural intelligence on burnout among practitioners working in 15 countries. It also compares levels of CQ in relation to age, gender, education, intercultural training, and language proficiency in the workplace. The participants in the study were professionals working primarily with migrants (N = 258) from 15 countries. The results indicate that motivational cultural intelligence significantly reduces burnout levels, while the cognitive and the behavioural dimensions do not have any effect. Practitioners who have undergone intercultural training have higher levels of cultural intelligence, and this type of training may be effective in improving cultural intelligence. The study provides organizations with insight on how to select and train first-line practitioners, focusing on developing cultural competencies and intrinsic motivation to prevent burnout among their staff and ultimately improve the quality of services.