Abstract
The present explores inter-cultural sensitivity, cultural intelligence and conflict-handling style preferences of employees engaged in inter-cultural interactions. It further tests the influence of inter-cultural sensitivity, cultural intelligence on conflict-handling style preferences. Using self-report instruments, data was collected from respondents from India (N=103) and Kuwait (N=71) involved in work-related interactions with each other. Findings reveal that Indian and Kuwait respondents significantly differ on the three dimensions studied. The results also reveal that influence of cultural intelligence and inter-cultural sensitivity dimensions on conflict-handling style preferences vary for Indian and Kuwait employees. The present work contributes to the largely limited work in the area and offers valuable information facilitating better understanding and application of effective conflict handling styles in India–Kuwait cross-cultural work interactions. Keywords: Conflict, inter-cultural sensitivity, cultural intelligence, conflict handling styles, India, Kuwait, cross-cultural interaction, effective conflict handling, cross-cultural conflict