The culturally intelligent brain: from detecting to bridging cultural differences (original) (raw)

The aim of cultural neuroscience is to detect and explain the neurological underpinnings of cognitive and behavioral differences across cultures. Studies in cultural neuroscience are crucial for the education and development of global leaders. They raise awareness and appreciation of cultural differences in global leaders. Effective global leaders also bridge cultural differences. In this paper, we propose to extend cultural neuroscience research into intercultural neuroscience of the ‘culturally intelligent’ brain. We define the intercultural neuroscience of the culturally intelligent brain as the intercultural neurological bases of the capability of an individual to function effectively in multicultural contexts (Earley & Ang, 2003). We review briefly the existing research on cultural neuroscience and propose a critical new research agenda in intercultural neuroscience.