International Business Management

The premier (Article I -in this series) left off with an example from my Russia experiences and observations of how not educating yourself in history, cultures and manners could and will get you expelled from a country! The two salesmen in the first story were real senior level people, oblivious of any international business education and responsibility for their failure. Their company hopefully learned from the Russian expulsion and quickly instituted a change that would better prepare their management and employees for international business. Remember one simple thing; “if it were easy…everyone would be doing it right!”.

You can not successfully perform International Business (IB) without cultural preparation, readiness education and practice…before…you go! All of the stories presented in the six part series come from my direct observations and experiences while working on multi-company programs or significant business negotiations in each country.

» Read more: How to Bow and Other Important Things in International Business – V2

It an earlier article I noted that American companies continue to think of themselves as American, not multinational, thus assignments overseas are not viewed in a strategic totality, but rather as a nuisance that must be dealt with from time to time. So, when a requirement surfaces for a manager in China, Africa or elsewhere, there normally ensues a mad scramble to find someone willing to take the position. Overlooked is whether that person and his/her family are actually suited for the position and the required life style. The result can be an expensive disaster for both the company and the family involved.

Successful expatriates are born not made. Individuals assigned overseas must bring to the job the innate ability to live and work in a different culture and the personal characteristics necessary to adjust to a variety of business styles and ethics. Only a sharply focused selection program designed to identify the proper attributes can determine who has the “right stuff.” American firms spend millions each year determining which employees should be in management or sales, why should expatriate service receive less attention?

» Read more: International Business – Expatriate Selection

Corporate India is on an all time high in hiring. Indian and global companies eye India as a lucrative option due to its immense manpower. In such a scenario there is potent demand for skilled and well-trained managers. A degree in Management is the need of the hour.

Now the question arises- which course should you opt for? With a range of traditional and innovative MBA courses on offer it is necessary to choose the right stream. Something that you’re passionate about, something that you have confidence in, a subject that is your strong point should be your preferred field. A typical MBA program has a primary curriculum like finance, human resource, business management, international business, information technology, communication management, the list is endless. Secondary curriculum gives you a choice of electives.

» Read more: MBA Education – The Right Course For a Bright Future