Developing Networking Skills in International Market Selection Projects: An Institutional Theory Approach
Dawn L. Keig and Todd Friends
Whitworth University, USA
Volume 15: 2020, pp. 5-26; ABSTRACT
Networking is becoming increasingly important for success in business and can be even more challenging in global business environments. While networking skills might be emphasized through extracurricular activities, they are rarely taught as specific content in business programs. International business curricula commonly include one or more courses that require students to complete international market selection (IMS) projects, and we suggest that these projects present an ideal context for building and extending student networking skills as they move through the research into selecting target markets. Based on an institutional theoretic lens, this paper examines how both formal and informal networking sources and skills can be emphasized in teaching IMS projects to enhance student outcomes. Using a qualitative research method and case example of the implementation of such an approach we provide practical support for faculty members interested in expanding the long-term value and skill development associated with IMS projects in a way that benefits students preparation for global business.
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