Cultural Intelligence and the theory of planned behavior in predicting work-abroad intentions: evidence from Vietnamese students in Australia

This study integrates Cultural Intelligence (CQ) - specifically motivational and behavioral dimensions - with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine the intention to work abroad among Vietnamese students in Australia. Using data from 361 participants, analysis was conducted through SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 4.0 under a PLS-SEM framework. Results show that both TPB constructs and CQ components significantly influence work-abroad intention. Multicultural experience (MCE) significantly moderates the relationship between CQ and intention. Additionally, CQ moderates the effects of attitude and perceived behavioral control but not subjective norm. The study contributes theoretically by combining TPB and CQ into a unified model. Practical implications are proposed to support educational institutions and workforce development programs in preparing young talent for global employment.