Title: Strategies for developing effective cross-cultural decision makers: investigating developments in international relationship management for learners in higher education

Authors: Richard Bell; Simon Ireland; Jonathan S. Swift

Addresses: Salford Business School, University of Salford, Maxwell Building, Salford, M5 4WT, UK ' Salford Business School, University of Salford, Maxwell Building, Salford, M5 4WT, UK ' Salford Business School, University of Salford, Maxwell Building, Salford, M5 4WT, UK

Abstract: Future business leaders will increasingly need an appreciation of the impact of culture on international working relationships and higher education institutions have a responsibility to provide this learning environment. By adopting a systematic approach to internationalisation strategies, these aims can be addressed. Current literature has addressed many issues in relation to cultural differences and their importance within the field of cross cultural relationship management. This paper describes how the theory was applied to develop a multicultural learning environment for students within higher education. The findings demonstrate the value of first-hand experience to students in preparing them to work in an increasingly diverse international working environment.

Keywords: international relationship management; cultural differences; higher education; globalisation; internationalisation strategies; psychic distance; cross-cultural decision making; culture; multicultural learning; business education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2014.064680

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2014 Vol.13 No.3, pp.354 - 368

Published online: 13 Sep 2014 *

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