Purpose ¿ The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue which brings together six papers exploring aspects of intercultural competence in the international business arena. Design/methodology/approach This overarching paper contextualizes the theme and introduces the selected papers which offer both theoretical and empirical insights. Findings The findings in this paper vary according to the core theme of each of the six contributions. Practical implications The papers in the special issue call attention to competences required for operating in the intercultural arena and offer a potential platform for developmental interventions. Originality/value The paper highlights how, combined, the papers explore new avenues of enquiry in the intercultural competence domain and showcase cross national theoretical and empirical work. © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited