International Business Schools…

Reading that title might make you believe that they pay attention to cultural competency (development). You’d be surprised how many simply call themselves “International” just because they have international students.

But that does not make those students culturally competent.

How we present ourselves and others is influenced by our culture, and these differences invariably impact your MBA candidacy. For example, a British applicant whose understated style makes her reluctant to boast in the MBA essays, versus an Indian – for whom tenacious self-promotion was frankly critical to his success, but whose tone could be perceived as arrogant. Or a Japanese candidate who cites ‘we’ whenever describing an accomplishment, versus the Westerner’s ease of claiming ‘I’. Then there’s the German recommender who writes in a very neutral, factual style, versus the American who gushes in delight about the candidate they are recommending. Sweeping generalizations aside, I’ve had countless encounters throughout the MBA admissions process that require sensitivity and awareness of cross-cultural differences to help candidates put their best foot forward. (source:https://poetsandquants.com/2020/12/29/how-to-navigate-cross-cultural-differences-in-the-mba-application/?pq-category=admissions&pq-category-2=sponsored-blogs)

As you can see from the above quote, cultural competency not only goes for the students but certainly also for the people working at a particular business school. Both need to understand which cultural differences can (and will) get in the way.

For instance, the KuL (Catholic University in Leuven; the place where I live) gives bicycle lessons to foreign students to simply get them familiar with the traffic rules; but that does NOT make them culturally competent as telling them where the local bank is and where to get a loaf of bread.

For many students, the primary goal is to get “IN” a particular school. The rest will come later.

But there is also good news

how business school can benefit from cultural competence 1

  • For instance, the Stockholm School of Economics, in their introduction week, wants to address cultural differences for their students.
  • The KUL Leuven does the same.
  • And of course, there is INSEAD with its different locations worldwide and the famous Erin Meyer being present there as well.

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) GMAC’s latest annual global survey of more than 300 (1) business schools found that 66% of programs saw international applications rise. Has covid-19 saved the MBA?

The Main Point

The main point for international business school is that, once your students are “in“, you should also spend time educating them culturally. It will help them tremendously and will also shine on you in terms that you not only deliver “programs” but also pay attention to your student wellbeing.

If all of this makes sense to you (as a student –> send it to a professor!) or as a teacher/professor, get in touch with us and let’s talk about how we can make a difference to you, to your school and to your student.

Trust is important in international business, read more about trust here.

How different cultures learn differently is explained in this article.

Read here why e-learning to understand different cultures is a bad idea.

 

Get a Taste of How Chris Presents, Watch his TEDx Talk


 

 

10 + 9 =

call culture mattersCall Direct: +32476524957

 

whatsapp culture matters directlyEuropean Office (Paris) Whatsapp: +32476524957

 

The Americas (USA; Atlanta, GA; también en Español):  +1 678 301 8369

Book Chris Smit as a Speaker

If you're looking for an Engaging, Exciting, and Interactive speaker on the subject of Intercultural Management & Awareness you came to the right place.

Chris has spoken at hundreds of events and to thousands of people on the subject of Cultural Diversity & Cultural Competence.

This is What Others Say About Chris:

  • “Very Interactive and Engaging”
  • “In little time he knew how to get the audience inspired and connected to his story”
  • His ability to make large groups of participants quickly and adequately aware of the huge impact of cultural differences is excellent”
  • Chris is a dedicated and inspirational professional”

In addition, his presentations can cover specific topics cultural topics, or generally on Cultural differences.

Presentations can vary anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours and are given World Wide.

Book Chris now by simply sending an email. Click here to do so.

Read more about what Chris can do for you.

  • Percentage of People Rating a Presentation as Excellent 86% 86%
  • Rating the Presentation as Practical 89% 89%
  • Applicability of Chris' presentation 90% 90%

About Peter van der Lende

Peter van der Lende International business development

Peter has joined forces with Culture Matters.

Because he has years and years of international business development experience joining forces therefore only seemed logical.

Being born and raised in the Netherlands, he has lived in more than 9 countries of which most were in Latin America.

He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) with his family.

You can find out more at https://expand360.com/

Or find out what Peter can do for you here.

Chris Smit
Latest posts by Chris Smit (see all)
We're looking for new Podcast Guests!

We're looking for new Podcast Guests!

If you think you or someone you know would make a good guest for our Culture Matters on International Business, drop us an email.

(make sure you or the person you know will be able to talk about International affairs!)

Thanks, we'll be back to you soon!