Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine if elementary school principals who exhibit characteristics of highly effective principals also possess high levels of cultural intelligence. Methodology. Three instruments were used in this study, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches to the collection of data. The first instrument used was the 20-Item Four Factor Cultural Intelligence Scale. In addition to the 20-question cultural intelligence inventory, a one-on-one interview was conducted. Finally, an ethnographic field study took place with observations of each participant. Findings. Examination of quantitative and qualitative data from the three sources used indicated that highly effective principals do demonstrate and possess high levels of measured cultural intelligence. In addition, this study found that highly effective principals were also aware of and used their cultural intelligence. Finally, this study found that the principals demonstrated behaviors that aligned with high levels of cultural intelligence. Conclusions. The study data support the conclusion that highly effective elementary school principals also have high levels of measured and observable cultural intelligence. In addition, data support the conclusion that highly effective principals are aware of their levels of cultural intelligence and use this awareness to improve their interactions with individual of varying cultures. Recommendations. Further research is advised: A suggestion to replicate the study with principals deemed highly ineffective to see if a reverse population selection gleaned the opposite results is recommended. A suggestion to replicate this study with highly effective middle or high school principals to determine if, in fact, they too have measured, recognized, and observable high levels of cultural intelligence is recommended. An additional suggestion for future research would be to replicate this study with gender differences as independent variables, to see if there are any marked differences between male and female administrators' cultural intelligence in educational management positions. Conduct a research study using the cultural intelligence inventory and measure the cultural intelligence of the elementary school principals in a given region and then compare their results to their school's API score as a determinant of success.