The development of CQ  as a theory and concept can be traced back to the challenges posed to the notion of IQ as the sole explanation of cognitive abilities. In 1983, Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Gardner, 1983) questioned the sufficiency of traditional intelligence measures in explaining cognitive capacity. Gardner's framework argued that IQ alone failed to encompass the entirety of cognitive abilities. This marked the beginning of the development of CQ as part of a broader trend aimed at comprehensively understanding human intelligence, which was further propelled by Daniel Goleman's work on emotional intelligence and social intelligence (Goleman, 1995). According to Mario de Vries, intelligence, whether intellectual or emotional, holds little value if it cannot be effectively explained. Thus, the integration of CQ is necessary to activate and harness the potential of both IQ and EQ, as their impact is primarily manifested in relation to others.

In 2010, Clare Munn introduced the concept of CQ: Communication Quotient™ at the TED Women event, subsequently collaborating with a team of neuroscientists and psychologists to develop a more comprehensive methodology for CQ: Communication Quotient™. This methodology has been implemented in a series of online learning courses designed to assess individuals' CQ: Communication Quotient™ and enhance their CI: Communication Intelligence™.

References:
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books.

Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.de Vries, M. (n.d.).

Communication Quotient (CQ). Retrieved from https://www.mariodevries.nl/en/cq-communication-quotient/