The Internationalisation of Business: Educational Paradigms and Challenges

Terence Mughan; Oyvin Kyvik

Terence Mughan

Anglia Ruskin University, UK

Oyvin Kyvik

ESCI-Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain

Volume 5: 2010, pp. 179-200; ABSTRACT

There has been much criticism of business education in the last decade, much of it focusing on the theory-practice divide. This article argues that this tension is particularly pronounced in the area of internationalization where practitioners are exposed to many operational challenges and cultural phenomena which were unheard of at the time the dominant theories were first formulated. It then discusses the impact classical economic thinking has had on business decision-making and international business education in particular. Relevant literature is reviewed before relating the findings to cognitive and intercultural aspects of international business. The case is made for an increased cognitive approach to international business education, including more innovative and integrated approaches to intercultural competences and languages contact. Recommendations are made as to how education may be improved, with key consideration of what type of knowledge and competences are most relevant to enable students to function effectively in complex scenarios where context-rooted problems require imaginative solutions. It is argued that this competence may be attained by means of curriculum reform based on increased collaboration between faculties, universities and businesses.

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