Cross-Cultural Management: Investigating the Impact of Cultural Intelligence on Strategic Decision-Making in Multinational Companies in Nigeria

Cultural issues is one of the most important facors to be taken into consideration in making strategic decisions in multinational organizations.This study investigated the impact of cultural intelligence on strategic decision-making in multinational companies operating in Nigeria. As globalization expands, businesses increasingly engage in cross-cultural environments where cultural adaptability becomes a critical factor for organizational success. Using a mixed-method approach, this study explored the relationship between cultural intelligence and strategic decision-making, highlighting its role in enhancing organizational performance. The findings indicated a strong correlation between cultural intelligence and improved decision-making efficiency, employee retention, and market adaptability. Companies with higher cultural intelligence levels demonstrated better stakeholder engagement and financial performance. Additionally, qualitative insights from multinational firms such as Shell, MTN, and Nestlé reveal that cultural adaptation strategies significantly contribute to business sustainability in Nigeria’s diverse economic landscape. The study concluded that cultural intelligence serves as a competitive advantage in international business operations, underscoring the need for structured cross-cultural training programs. Practical recommendations include implementing cultural sensitivity training, fostering inclusive decision-making structures, and developing tailored communication strategies to enhance business performance in multicultural settings.