Relationship between Inclusive Leadership and Employee Engagement: Role of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in Sarawak civil service

Azizah Qistina Halpi; Ahmad Naqiyuddin Bakar; Kuldip Singh

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI38.7656

Authors

Azizah Qistina Halpi Faculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies (FSPPP), UiTM Sarawak, Malaysia
Ahmad Naqiyuddin Bakar Faculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies (FSPPP), UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia
Kuldip Singh Faculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies (FSPPP), UiTM Sarawak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI38.7656

Keywords:

Inclusive leadership, employee engagement, cultural intelligence, Sarawak civil service

Abstract

This paper examines the link between inclusive leadership and employee engagement in the Sarawak Civil Service, highlighting Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as a moderating factor. Sarawak’s diverse workforce presents both opportunities and challenges for leaders. Inclusive leadership emphasizes fairness, openness, and respect that encourages employees to feel valued and engaged, which is essential for effective service delivery. CQ enhances this relationship by enabling leaders to navigate cultural differences more effectively. Together, inclusivity and cultural competence build trust, collaboration, and sustained motivation, offering practical and theoretical insights for leadership in multicultural public sector contexts.

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