The Effect of India’s Rainbow Culture on Global Management

Abstract

Globalization is the gradual disappearance of territorial differences in economic activities and therefore understanding cross-cultural customs and business practices, working on promoting efficiency and optimizing profitability in a globalized environment is of paramount importance for budding managers.

In this study an attempt is made to examine the role of business schools in recognizing the need for international business operations and also incorporating student exchange programmes for international students to gain a first-hand experience about global management. This study is an endeavour to understand the effect of India’s diverse culture on learning experience of foreign students who are on study-abroad programmes in India. A primary research, based in-depth personal interviews of a sample of German students who were part of study-abroad programmes in business management has been used to assess the impact of India’s rainbow culture on global management.

The major findings of the study suggest that the programs have benefited students by sensitizing them towards social and cultural differences, increasing their cross-cultural intelligence, and providing them with global exposure and networking opportunities with their counterparts.

Keywords: Cross-cultural Quotient (CCQ), Globalized environment, Budding managers, International Business Operations, Student-Exchange programmes

JEL Classification: I21, Z10