This study investigates the necessity of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) for employee well-being in Global Virtual Teams (GVTs) using necessary condition analysis. Drawing from a sample of 394 GVT members, we examine how overall CQ and its dimensions impact well-being in virtual multicultural work environments. While GVTs offer advantages like access to diverse talent and reduced operational costs, they present unique challenges including cultural barriers and complex communication dynamics that can affect employee well-being. Our analysis establishes minimum required levels of CQ facets for maintaining satisfactory well-being among GVT members. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding the relationship between CQ and well-being in virtual settings, offering theoretical insights and practical guidance for managers in forming and fostering successful GVTs. This study extends previous research by using a non-student sample, enhancing generalizability to organisational contexts.
