bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Global Virtual Teams across the Globe
Authors: Zakaria Norhayati , Al Safi Ghadeer
Published: December 2013

This chapter presents a preliminary understanding of cross-cultural challenges and synergistic experiences of multicultural students engaged in Global Virtual Teams (GVTs). In this case study, we introduce the GVT structure as a novel learning platform which utilizes Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) tools as part of its virtual-based learning. We administer the case study with 30 students (n=30) in the United of Emirates (UAE) who engage in GVTs across the globe—encompassing 26 universities and 22 countries. Qualitative data is collected in the form of documents—reflective reports of the students’ experiential learning over a 10-week period. We content analyse the reports based on the thematic analysis with two distinctive categories—cultural challenges and cultural synergies based on the first seven weeks of the experiential learning process. In this study, we find that students experienced challenges such as managing technical difficulty, language barriers, deteriorating motivations, geographical distance, time differences, and non-committed and unresponsive attitude. However, students also experience synergies from the GVTs such as strong relationships and continued friendships, formation of emergent leadership, learned diverse managerial styles and competencies skills, varied use of varied CMC tools, and international exposure to diverse cultures without the need to travel abroad.
Electronic Collaboration in Strategic Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Goksoy Aslı , Vayvay Ozalp , Yılmaz Beliz Ozsoy , Yılmaz Ahmet
Published: December 2013

The pace of change in information and communication technology has accelerated rapidly in the past decade, providing various opportunities for companies to improve their efficiency and competitiveness and also collaborate with their business partners. In the digitally connected 21st century business environment, collaboration among organizations requires electronic communications within and across fields to facilitate superior outcomes. The proper use of technology enables businesses to be more efficient. E-collaboration has been a great tool to improve business and a strategic weapon to change the traditional business relationships. E-collaboration aims to facilitate coordination of decision-making processes, and it is no longer a source of competitive advantage, but instead a competitive necessity. Tightly linking information technology with strategy formulation is one of growing importance in organizations. This chapter aims to explore the role and benefits of technology in decision-making processes by presenting a successful implementation of electronic collaboration in a leading global supplier of electronics and electrical materials and provide useful information to managers and practitioners.
Interaction in Google Wave Sends Chat Rooms Out with the Tide
Authors: Jones Linda
Published: December 2013

This chapter focuses on Google Wave, a new, emerging world-wide technology by Google that supports both synchronous and asynchronous communication. Research on this technology took place during two sessions of an advanced second language (L2) technology course whereby synchronous conversations in Google Wave were compared to synchronous conversations in Blackboard chat rooms. Students experienced both forms of technology while discussing cross-cultural and pedagogical discussions relevant to L2 learning. Structural comparisons in terms of message length, message turns, numbers of words, and clarification revealed that students were more patient and wrote lengthier, more complex posts when conversing in Google Wave as compared to the chat room. Students’ impressions further confirmed their awareness of writing and reflecting more within Google Wave. These results suggest that Google Wave will support flexible, innovative learning and will provide researchers with multiple opportunities for expanding our understanding of students’ interactions in synchronous environments.
Integrating Social Media and Traditional Media within the Academic Environment
Authors: Bute Swati Jaywant Rao
Published: December 2013

With the advancement of technology, new modes of communication have emerged and are being used in the field of academics. Traditional media played a pivotal role in spreading knowledge in all sections of societies in the world. Traditional media proved to be a powerful tool in the process of making learning and teaching more effective, interesting, and simple to insure everyone benefits to the maximum. Social media are newly-emerged communication networks which are in use not only for sharing information but also for education, knowledge transfer, and for building a global community of academicians. Different tools of social media are in use in different streams of education. Over the years, it has been realized that both traditional and social media have much potential and use in education at all three levels e.g. primary, secondary, and higher education. But, the integration of traditional and social media still has a long way to go in terms of acceptance. This chapter highlights some major points related to changing academic environment, with the use of technology in classes, students vs. teachers' perspectives on learning and teaching, academics, and use of media – Traditional vs. New media in classes and integrating traditional and social media within the academic environment.
Second Language Strategic Interactions Using Emerging Technologies and Experiential Learning
Authors: deHaan Jonathan , Johnson Neil H.
Published: December 2013

The affordances provided by technology for increasing efficacy of foreign language education have been a major research area within applied linguistics over the past thirty years or so (see Levy & Stockwell, 2006, for an overview). In a Japanese context, there are culturally-based issues with foreign language education at the tertiary level, such as large class sizes and low student motivation, that present educators with specific challenges where technology may provide effective mediational means to improve practice and learner outcomes. In this chapter, the authors describe an eight-week teaching intervention that was designed, through digital and web technologies readily available to teachers, to improve the communication skills of Japanese university students of English. The strategic interaction framework, developed by Di Pietro (1987), was enhanced by use of digital video and a freely available wiki site. Performances were digitally video recorded and uploaded to a private wiki and participants used this to evaluate, transcribe, and self-correct their performances. The instructor then used the video and text to focus post-performance group debriefing sessions. The results suggest that a wiki, digital video, and strategic interaction-based experiential learning cycles can be effectively integrated to mediate Japanese university EFL students' oral communication development. Technical and pedagogical recommendations are offered.
The Effects of Culture on Planning and Technology in the Internationalisation of Medellín’s SMEs
Authors: Bustamante Luis
Published: December 2013

As an emerging market, global business is of greatest importance in Colombia and several efforts are implemented to keep up with the international competitive environment. However, these efforts should be accompanied with the development of entrepreneurial capabilities in a wide range of ambits, among others, cross-cultural management. This chapter describes cultural influences in internationalisation activities of Medellin’s small and medium enterprises based on original research results using descriptive multi-case methods within five companies and documentary review of business publications. It starts with an overview of the Colombian SME and cross-cultural management theories; then, the cultural influences on planning and internationalisation are listed, suggesting that systematic plans during internationalisation are not followed and technology tools are not properly seized due to management styles, a changing business environment, and small education levels.
Beyond Brain Drain
Authors: Fakhar Ahlam
Published: December 2013

The past decades have witnessed an increase in the pace and a consolidation of immigration of medical doctors and the globalization of the health system. If properly managed, globalization of the health workforce could lead to perceptible gains in health status for all parties involved. In a world economy shaped by strong institutions, globalization could benefit those countries with a strong and human and physical capital. This chapter reviews the importance of immigration and aims at presenting different views on immigration of medical doctors. While the traditional view has been dominated by the rhetoric on “brain-drain,” a new and more promising thread of research has centered on the relatively new concept of “brain-circulation.” Mobility for medical workers and health workers, in general, can be a significant contributor to the formation of scientific and technical human capital, which has been an important driver in economic expansion and social development in many regions of the world. To illustrate the point, the authors use a cooperative framework to elucidate the relationship between immigration of medical doctors and economic development in the long-run using the potential agreement between North Africa and the European Union as an example. The finding could have implications for the capacity of developing countries to turn around and use “circular immigration” as a means to integrate into the emerging knowledge economy.
Promoting Global Citizenship through Intercultural Exchange Using Technology
Authors: Henry Laurie A. , Lima Clarisse O.
Published: December 2013

This chapter presents a critical instance case study that describes the implementation of an international, telecollaborative project between elementary level students in rural Kentucky and those located in Rio de Janeiro. Learning activities focused on the development of cultural knowledge and understanding, with the main goal of increasing the students’ global citizenship characteristics by comparing cultural backgrounds with an emphasis on cultural similarities and differences between the two groups. This was accomplished through the Travel Buddy Project, a new pedagogical approach to learning that combines blog exchanges with photographic documentation couched in culturally oriented lessons.
International Co-Operation and Intercultural Relations
Authors: Hosein Gus , Yalamova Maria-Martina
Published: December 2013

This article compares the notions of security and privacy as they are treated in international cooperation relations. While security seems to benefit from a global consensus, it does not hold true for the concept of privacy. This article argues for not addressing the privacy in the context of the issue of human rights, marked by recurrent controversies about cultural relativism.
A Community-Oriented Approach to CIIP in Developing Countries
Authors: Ellefsen Ian , von Solms Sebastiaan
Published: December 2013

Developing countries are fast becoming players in an increasingly interconnected world. Many developing countries are making use of technological solutions to address unique challenges. However, in many cases, this growth is not accompanied with the development of appropriate information infrastructure protection structures. As technological solutions are deployed in developing countries, there will be a large number of new users gaining access to Internet-based systems. In many cases, these new users might lack the skills necessary to identify computer security threats. Inadequate cyber security measures can increase the risk and impact of cyber attacks. The development of internal structures to address Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIIP) is dependent on the environment in which it will be deployed. Therefore, traditional CIIP structures might not adequately address the technological challenges found in developing countries. In this chapter, the authors aim to address the development of CIIP structures in developing regions by elaborating on the set of unique challenges that exist. Furthermore, they aim to present a community-oriented structure aimed at providing CIIP, in what they refer to as a “bottom-up” manner. The larger aim of CIIP structures in developing regions is to support the future development and deployment of cyber security mechanisms and to allow developing countries to play a trusted role in global cyber security efforts.
Follow the Experts
Authors: Gagnon Suzanne , Lirio Pamela
Published: December 2013

This chapter explores individual intercultural competence as an enacted capability developed through social interaction and experience with dominant local cultures and minority cultures. The authors employ a knowing-as-practice perspective, following Nicolini et al. (2003), and notions of tacit knowledge within particular domains (Sternberg et al., 1995), to suggest that the study of intercultural experts has potential to inform this area of knowledge. From this perspective, examining practice repertoires used by expert actors can provide a useful complement to cultural intelligence frameworks (Thomas & Inkson, 2004, Earley, 2002) for understanding individual intercultural competence. Drawing on emerging literature on biculturalism, this chapter introduces an approach to researching intercultural knowing-in-practice through a focus on one type of experts, in this case, a group of young, bicultural Canadians. The authors found emotion- and behavioral-based themes that informed these experts’ responses to intercultural scenarios, their responses to proposed in-situ practice. From the findings, the chapter suggests that management can learn about intercultural competence from such experts’ approaches to navigating intercultural conflicts.
Cultural Differences in Trust in High-Tech International Business Ventures
Authors: Gerbasi Alexandra , Latusek Dominika
Published: December 2013

This chapter presents results from the qualitative field study conducted in a Silicon Valley-based American-Polish start-up joint venture. It investigates the issues of collaboration within one firm that is made up of individuals from two countries that differ dramatically in generalized trust: Poland and the United States. The authors explore differences between thick, knowledge-based forms of trust and thin, more social capital-oriented forms of trust, and they discuss how these affect collaboration between representatives of both cultures. Finally, the authors address how these differences in trust can both benefit an organization and also cause it difficulties in managing its employees.
A Synthesis of Globalisation, Business Culture and E-Business Adoption in Vietnam
Authors: Le Huong , Koo Fung K. , Sargent Jason
Published: December 2013

The pace and intensity of social change in modern society is increasing, particularly through advances in modern technology and the remarkable innovations in information and communications technology (ICT), as well as through social movements, especially globalisation (Synott, 2004). This chapter will discuss the concept of globalisation and its impact on the economies, cultures, and international business in developing countries and, in particular, Vietnam. The chapter provides an insight into how national culture and technology affects business operations, including current issues in technological readiness for e-business adoption in Vietnam. By applying theories of globalisation to explain changes and progress in Vietnamese economic development, the chapter also provides a better understanding of the complex mix of culture, technology, and business operations in Vietnam. Recommendations are also made for the development of an appropriate environment for e-business in small to medium enterprises that will further strengthen the country’s international business operations.
Icon Metaphors for Global Cultures
Authors: Bezuayehu Lulit , Stilan Eric , Peesapati S. Tejaswi
Published: December 2013

Developing icons has always been challenging, from the first appearance of icons on desktop computers to the current day mobile and tablet platforms. Many of the same challenges apply when designing icons for global enterprise software. Icons can easily be misinterpreted when the designer and user have differing cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the various cultural implications of icon interpretations and misinterpretations by users in various regions around the world. The authors conducted several studies to understand the roles cultures play when icons are viewed and interpreted by users. By deploying global surveys and conducting focus groups with users from around the world, they collected data to help them understand some of the variations in understanding and interpretations of icons. The authors also looked into various cultures that might find certain icons culturally insensitive or even offensive. After extensive research, they found that some of their initial assumptions regarding taboos and cultural standards were skewed by antiquated research, and now, their more recent research data shows that there is a more accepting global view of iconic metaphors and graphical imagery.
Culture, Disorder, and Death in an Online World
Authors: Marshall Jonathan Paul
Published: December 2013

Death strikes everywhere, even online. Death poses problems personally, existentially, and culturally, and is potentially destructive to person and group. Yet many social theories of death posit some kind of social integration as normal, downplaying the potential for disorder. This chapter explores how people on the internet mailing list, Cybermind, dealt with death on two occasions: firstly, just after the group’s founding, and secondly, when the group had been established for eight years, and was in crisis. On both occasions the group was rocked by the deaths, and struggled to make a meaningful and ongoing mailing list culture out of parts of offline culture, while transforming that culture within the constraints and ambiguities of List Life. This was a disorderly exploratory process, which verged on disintegration. Social disorder cannot be seen as simply pathological or an error; it is a vital part of cultural processes and must be taken seriously in itself.
Multiculturality and Multimodal Languages
Authors: Caschera Maria Chiara , D’Ulizia Arianna , Ferri Fernando , Grifoni Patrizia
Published: December 2013

The way by which people communicate each other changes in the different cultures due to the different communicative expectations and depending on their cultural backgrounds. The development of the Internet has caused an increasing use of computer systems by people from different cultures, highlighting the need for interaction systems that adapt the interaction according to the cultural background of the user. This is one of the reasons of the growing research activity that explores how to consider cultural issues during the design of multimodal interaction systems. This chapter is focused on such a challenging topic, proposing a grammatical approach representing multicultural issues in multimodal languages. The approach is based on a grammar, that is able to produce a set of structured sentences, composed of gestural, vocal, audio, graphical symbols, and so on, along with the meaning that these symbols have in the different cultures. This work provides a contribution to the area of mulsemedia research, as it deals with the integration of input produced by multiple human senses and acquired through multiple sensorial media.
A Critical Perspective on the Challenges for Blended Learning and Teaching in Africa’s Higher Education
Authors: Kisubi Alfred T.
Published: December 2013

This chapter challenges the readers’ thinking forward in some essential areas of educational change driven by the international imperative for Information and Communication technologies (ICT). It grapples realistically but also hopefully and creatively with many of the seemingly intractable difficulties that people involved in African change encounter, especially during this ICT age: Government policy makers and their usually politically handpicked higher-education administrators who see education reform as a national security priority, but, nevertheless, cede the responsibility of not only financing, but also implementing reform to international donors, who seldom serve Africa’s interests, but push their own agendas disguised as global development “aid.” These international “development” agencies inadvertently subvert equity oriented change efforts and substitute them with those of a comprador team of global and local state elite gainers, who push the responsibility of development through the state’s means of coercion down to the local, scarcely funded entities, such as the African higher education institutions (HEI). This wanton, undemocratic devolution or “structural adjustment,” results in the African HEIs, and governments’ extensive and deep-seated failings that make any hope of improvement appear to be far beyond reach. This chapter illustrates how and why that happens and makes suggestions for solutions.
Information Systems in UAE Education Sector
Authors: Naser Abbas , Jaber Ibtisam , Jaber Reem , Saeed Khalidah
Published: December 2013

This chapter demonstrates some of the most important issues pertaining to information systems, such as security, ethics, and culture in the Arab education sector. Despite the fact that there is an evident shortage of references on this important topic in the Arab region context, the authors managed to gather sufficient information to develop a reasonable insight that has led to suggesting recommendations for improvement in future studies. They demonstrate how the concerned issues are managed in the Arab region, with specific interest and focus at the UAE context. Ethics in information systems are very important, especially as information systems are global by nature; its impact cannot be limited. The UAE is part of the GCC countries, which represent the richest Arab countries, yet ethics are highly regarded. The second part of the chapter discusses information systems security issue related and the third is focused on the cultural issues. Although, separated for the purpose of research, cultural and ethical issues are inter-related and are very important, because both directly reflect the society’s morals, traditions, language, customs, et cetera.
Studying Locally, Interacting Globally
Authors: Ragusa Angela T. , Steinke Emma
Published: December 2013

This chapter uses findings from an online survey of international onshore undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in an Australian university in 2009 to critically examine and compare their expectations, experiences, and levels of satisfaction. This research yielded a plethora of unique and vital concerns that were further affected by variables such as students’ age and geographic location in regional/rural versus metropolitan areas. Moreover, the results of this study, in turn, can offer educators important initial insights they can then use to develop online educational materials or online courses for such internationally diverse groups of students. This chapter argues the gap between expectations and experiences requires further attention if the delivery of academic excellence to students from divergent cultural backgrounds, with different language skills and varying social norms is to be achieved within an environment that supports and reflects cultural diversity. The chapter also provides suggestions on how such factors can and should be addressed when devising online educational materials and environments for such students. The general trend towards freely circulating capital, goods and services, coupled with changes in the openness of labour markets, has translated into growing demands for an international dimension of education and training. Indeed, as world economies become increasingly inter-connected, international skills have grown in importance for operating on a global scale. Globally oriented firms seek internationally-competent workers versed in foreign languages and having mastered basic inter-cultural skills to successfully interact with international partners. Governments as well as individuals are looking to higher education to play a role in broadening students’ horizons and allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the world’s languages, cultures and business methods. One way for students to expand their knowledge of other societies and languages, and hence leverage their labour market prospects, is to study in tertiary educational institutions in countries other than their own. Several OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] governments – especially in countries of the European Union (EU) – have set up schemes and policies to promote mobility as a means of fostering intercultural contacts and building social networks for the future. (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2009, p. 310)
Leveraging Workforce Diversity and Team Development
Authors: Zaballero Aileen G. , Tsai Hsin-Ling , Acheampong Philip
Published: December 2013

In this broadening landscape of business, corporations are encouraged to develop global leaders. “Changes in workforce demographics resulting from globalization, combined with the rising popularity of team-based management techniques, have resulted in a practical concern with the management of multicultural groups” (Thomas, 1999, p. 242). Organizations are challenged to implement a comprehensive approach to global development that encompasses different cultural perspectives. This chapter proposes to utilize team-based learning within a cross-cultural work-group. The use of a collaborative approach supports the social dimensions of learning and can exhibit greater productivity for individuals. According to Jonassen, Strobel, and Lee (2006) as cited by Schaffer, Lei, and Paulino (2008), “Knowledge exists not only in the heads of learners, but also in the conversations and social relations among collaborators” (p. 144). This chapter will emphasize the importance of collaborative team-based work groups among diverse settings. First, the authors will discuss the factors of diverse teams and identify the stages of group development focusing on Tuckman’s Model. In addition, Gert Hofstede’s cultural dimension will be addressed. Finally, organizational contexts that impact the performance of diverse teams such will be explored.
Diversity Training in Organizations
Authors: McGuire David , Patterson Nicola
Published: December 2013

Diversity training is an area of growing interest within organizations. As organizations and society become more culturally diverse, there is a need to provide training across all hierarchical levels to make individuals more aware of and sensitized to elements of difference. Managing and valuing diversity is becoming increasingly important to delivering higher levels of performance and creativity, enhancing problem solving and decision-making, and gaining cultural insights into domestic and overseas markets. As facilitators of diversity training, line managers are increasingly tasked with the important role of equipping employees with the skills and competencies to work effectively in diverse multicultural teams. Consequently, this chapter looks at the mechanics of how diversity is discussed and delivered in organizations. It explores the necessity of diversity training in safeguarding and respecting individual identity and in fostering more welcoming inclusive workplaces.
Organizational Culture and Organizational Effectiveness in a Global Context
Authors: Banto Andrea
Published: December 2013

Globalization increased the expansion of multinational corporations to countries on all continents leading to growth. Companies like Wal-Mart, Southwest, and Apple survived and prospered when other similar companies failed. What made them so successful? It might be a combination of many things, but the most important piece in this mix is their organizational culture. From the global perspective, the organizational culture of a subsidiary is influenced by the home and host-country’s national culture. This is reflected in all its operations and influences the leadership style, decision-making process, team interaction, and the communication style. The inability to master the cultural factors may have a negative influence on the subsidiary’s effectiveness. The organizational culture can be measured through four cultural traits: mission, involvement, adaptability, and consistency. The organizational effectiveness can be measured through the sales growth, market share growth, return on assets, quality improvements, new product development capability, employee satisfaction, and the overall firm performance. This chapter is a review of the applications of Denison’s model of organizational culture and effectiveness in a variety of countries.
Strategic Transcultural Marketing Management and Global Competitiveness
Authors: Camillo Angelo A. , Holt Svetlana , Marques Joan
Published: December 2013

An organization achieves competitive advantage if it delivers above average profits in its industry. Strategic management has many definitions. In this context, the authors define global strategic management as a bundle of decisions and acts based on resources and capabilities that a manager undertakes that decide the long-term competitive position of the firm. The past and current economic conditions are evidence that global strategy will never be perfect but an ongoing effort to achieve optimal results for all stakeholders. Hence, the task for the global leaders has become increasingly challenging and hypercompetitive. While these leaders materialize their vision and accomplish their mission, they also build a strong leadership culture. However, successful executives are too busy or do not have the capability to develop new skills to plan and execute their long- and short-term strategies. To narrow the gap between achievement and acquiring new skills, business schools from across the globe offer Executive Education Programs that help them expand their skills. These programs can be highly specialized and individually designed for specific companies in a given industry. Present and future global leaders must stay current with competitive trends and ahead of the competition to achieve and sustain competitive advantage in their industry.
Managerial Communication in the Global Cross-Cultural Context
Authors: Camillo Angelo , Di Pietro Loredana
Published: December 2013

Managerial Communication today is an integral component of many business related disciplines (strategic management, leadership, strategic marketing, business ethics, etc.). However, within the context of global business management, Managerial Communication follows under the broad umbrella of “Business Communication.” Communication with internal and external stakeholders demands careful consideration regardless of the industry. Having a managerial communication policy in place allows for strategic information dissemination as well as the protection of transmission of confidential data. This chapter discusses the topic of communication in general with emphasis on managerial communication within the cross-cultural context. The result of a qualitative study used in this chapter confirms that efficient communication strategies and effective communications policy implementation can propel a firm to success. Within this framework and that of managerial leadership effectiveness, managerial communication does not refer to media communication or journalism for that matter; instead, it focuses solely on managerial communication within the context of global business management.
Cultural Management 2.0
Authors: Méndez Margarita Cabrera
Published: December 2013

The Internet has become the essential media for daily work of cultural management professionals. Its richness of contents and the fast evolution of technologies do even exceed the capacity of adaptation and decision of the professionals due to the wide range of possibilities that the Internet offers. It is in this new context where technologies and cultures get mixed up as cultural institutions cannot play the same roles as they did in the analogic world. Not only the classical functions of conservation, research, commission or exhibition have to be valued, but also in the role of broadcasting, doors to communication 2.0 should be opened, getting into the social networks, not only sharing but also listening what the users have to say. This new step has to be managed by institutions that are able to understand and add the new philosophy 2.0 in their corporative and communication culture. It is not longer one-way communication as the role of the users is essential. The author will analyse the strategies and models of some institutions that have incorporated digital practices and culture in their organizations and communication and therefore, the way they connect with their different audiences (Creators/artists, users and other organizations.) have changed.
Globalization and Human Resources Management
Authors: Bal Yasemin , Bozkurt Serdar
Published: December 2013

As a result of globalization, many firms have begun to compete on a worldwide basis. This situation has led Human Resources Management (HRM) to gain more importance in the global arena and “international HRM” field. Over the past few decades, international HRM has gained considerable attention from both academicians and practitioners. The increasing globalization of business has required organizations to manage their workforces effectively. Managing a foreign workforce can differ drastically from managing a domestic one. HRM in the international context requires managing diverse workforces originating from different nationalities with various cultures. Therefore, workforce diversity has become increasingly important for organizations that plan to expand into global markets and target different consumer groups. Organizations can adopt different approaches for managing their workforces and every function of HRM systems should be designed consistent to the workforce diversity of the organization. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the concept of international HRM and diverse workforce in global organizations. Additionally, the importance of managing diverse workforces effectively in global organizations in the context of HRM functions and the role of HRM in this process will be discussed briefly.
Developing Global Leaders
Authors: Han Pi-Chi
Published: December 2013

Although the need to develop global leaders with adequate intercultural competencies has become obvious (Morrison, 2000; Suutari, 2002), global leadership, as an emerging field, has not received a great deal of attention (Morrison, 2000). Literature of developing global leadership has been focused on partial evidence to generate simple universality with an American bias (Dickson, Hartog, & Mitchelson, 2003). This chapter attempts to propose an integrative Intercultural Effectiveness (ICE) model for Human Resource Development (HRD) professionals. The model evolves a theoretical conceptualization to link ICE and global leadership with the theory of transformative learning and the process of cross-cultural learning. It provides a series of process guidelines for HRD professionals in designing, developing, and conducting HRD programs for the development of global leadership.
New Technologies and Democratic Participation on the International Level
Authors: Papandreou Marios
Published: December 2013

This chapter shows that the role of new technologies in global democracy is very important. First, the concept of democracy is analyzed with particular reference to participation and (access to) information. Second, it is explained that democracy should not be limited to the national level because of the major changes of globalization and because of the fact that these changes influence the everyday lives of billions of people. Examples of the United Nations and the European Union are examined, the former as an example of what could be done and how (with regard to individuals' participation) and the latter as an example of what has already been achieved. Finally, it is explained how and under which conditions new technologies could help build more democratic and more participatory processes on the international level. The concept of access is the central link between information and communication technologies on the one side and international participatory democracy on the other.
Importance of Perpetual Government-University-Industry (GUI) Collaboration Today
Authors: Christiansen Bryan
Published: December 2013

The globalization of the 21st century has changed economic and other realities far beyond the expectations of most individuals. The competitive landscape continues to be reinvented due to such factors as accelerating globalization, changing demographics, rapid technological advances, shorter business/product life cycles, innovation, and productivity. This chapter focuses on why there is a need for perpetual Government-University-Industry (GUI) collaboration, especially in advanced economies, and some options on how to achieve it effectively. The chapter commences with an introduction to the realities of contemporary globalism that have raised the need for this collaboration, and the body then outlines the status of GUI collaboration in the world’s four largest economies: China, India, Japan, and the USA. There is a model example of ideal GUI collaboration in the discussion section for reference. The conclusion synthesizes the earlier discussions and provides suggestions for consideration regarding optimum GUI collaboration, most notably a list of seven “Best Practices” provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the USA.
Netnography
Authors: Lang Guido , Mamonov Stanislav , Lang Karl R.
Published: December 2013

The advent of the Internet has facilitated many new forms of communication and thus has laid the foundation for new forms of interaction and social organization. The challenges of gaining insight into the social processes that occur in these newly emerging digital spaces require the development of new research approaches and methodologies. Netnography, or Internet ethnography, is one such example. It focuses on gaining cultural insights from virtual community environments and was originally developed for consumer research in the field of marketing, but has since been used in a number of other fields, including urban planning. This chapter examines the philosophical assumptions and specific methods of netnography as a newly emerging research approach. Findings from a qualitative analysis of ten cases of published netnography studies reveal differences in both philosophical assumptions and uses as a research methodology, including the subject of research – community – and the role of the researcher. The chapter closes with some recommendations and a call for future research.
Expanding Technology-Based Transcultural Diffusion
Authors: Hume Margee , Johnston Paul , Argar Mark , Hume Craig
Published: December 2013

This chapter focuses on addressing: the screening criteria used to evaluate potential new energy- related technology ventures in two international markets, namely the Philippines and Brazil; adopting a single case methodology to communicate the firm strategies used to attract investment and the behaviour adopted to try and effectively and efficiently enter the global market; and based on the descriptions and behaviours found, the case offers a holistic entry framework which will advance understanding of transcultural marketing and entry needs of the Philippines and Brazil regarding new energy-related innovations. This chapter uses qualitative case analysis of a single case technology commercialisation organisation and the experience of entering two new world markets: the Philippines and Brazil. These two markets have been selected as they are focused on energy securitisation, possess a distinct business culture related to early stage and Venture Capital (VC) investment and the behaviour of VCs, and are currently commercially attractive and interested in international investment and new technology market development (Broad & Cavanagh, 2011; Castells, 2011). This chapter reports on data focused on investment activity within the technology market in Brazil and the Philippines and cultural factors affecting investment and market entry specific to these markets. The chapter integrates the cultural issues of each destination with current literature and develops a checklist of actions related to each market destination. The chapter will assist with the success of attracting investment, sales growth, and performance in the new market and enhance profitability of the venture. The chapter will offer specific actions related to the entry and investment in each market and contribute to international marketing knowledge. This chapter offers a new transcultural marketing perspective on international venture capital exploring and learning from these two diverse emerging world markets. The lessons learnt from each market creates a shared and advanced outlook on seeking successful venture capital in newer global markets (Broad & Cavanagh, 2011).
“I Love Being Able to Have my Colleagues around the World at my Fingertips:”
Authors: Branch Jennifer L. , de Groot Joanne
Published: December 2013

Teacher-librarians are often “lone wolves” in schools. This chapter explores how Canadian teacher-librarians are participating in life-long learning in the 21st century using Web 2.0 technologies. It also explores how one online distance education program implemented changes to help prepare teacher-librarians to participate in local and global personal learning networks. Findings from a Canadian survey on this topic found that teacher-librarians often seek out other teacher-librarians for advice and support, as well as relying on regular interaction (both face-to-face and online) with their colleagues. Other informal professional learning occurs through listservs, online networks, Elluminate sessions, webinars, TED talks, podcasts, Nings, blogs, and Twitter. New and emerging technologies are helping teacher-librarians connect to one another locally and, more importantly, globally. It is this combination of both local and global personal learning networks that helps teacher-librarians move from being lone wolves to members of the pack.
Developing Cultural Competency in Engineering through Transnational Distance Learning
Authors: Moore Stephanie , May Dominik , Wold Kari
Published: December 2013

While cultural competency is a stated priority for engineering education in the United States, as emphasized by Outcome H in the ABET standards, it is often difficult to engage students in immersive international experiences that develop intercultural awareness. Undergraduate engineering students face packed curricula with little or no room for languages and an often unforgiving structure that puts them a year out of course sequences if they do travel for study abroad. In this case study, the authors examine how online education can be a transformational factor in this challenge. When designed to create interactive, engaging learning across nations, online education can support joint international experiences that develop cultural competency without requiring the time and expenses that are often a barrier for students. This online model could easily be scaled up to offer more students an international collaboration opportunity without institutional reliance on study abroad. This online transnational distance learning approach saves students and universities time and money, while accomplishing the intended professional competencies.
Beyond the Boundaries
Authors: Olcott Don
Published: December 2013

The rapid increase in internationalism and borderless higher education by public and for-profit universities is changing the face of the global higher education landscape. Today, universities have more opportunities for serving campus-based international students and extending their programs and research on the international stage. Students also have more choices than ever before in navigating their educational future and are becoming active consumers of global HE. Language, culture, and social norms are as critical as any educational strategies used to build and sustain international partnerships. An understanding, tolerance, and humility about the educational process in other countries is a necessity for building successful partnerships. Borderless higher education is highly complex and involves various risks for colleges and universities and the need to justify foreign ventures or adventures to key stakeholders at home. The “new global regionalism” will accelerate HE competition for students, and the global destination choices for students may drive more students to remain in their region than going to traditional destinations such as the US, UK, and Australia. Universities will function more like businesses, and their foreign partnerships and campus international recruitment will be based on leveraging profitable revenues to supplement their composite educational enterprise. This will be accentuated by reduced government funding and the need to temper continuous tuition and fee increases. Quality assurance agencies will exert greater pressure on universities to maintain accountability, program standards, and alignment with their core mission. University chief executives will need to navigate a range of complex issues before leading their universities into unchartered international waters. Indeed, some universities have no business in the business of borderless higher education. This chapter explores borderless higher education.
ePorticulture
Authors: Kelly Kevin , Cox Ruth
Published: December 2013

Institutional culture is a critical component in making eportfolios an integral teaching and learning tool. As instructors and students engage in using eportfolios, the campus goes through culture change in several different areas. Institutions may start with questions related to technology and logistics, but buy-in at all levels is critical as campuses begin to shift, redefine or adapt existing cultures of assessment. Namely, these efforts promote the adoption of more diverse and comprehensive assessment strategies—that embody new, learner-centered teaching methodologies—along with traditional strategies. By using more than one method to demonstrate their competencies within the context of the eportfolio process, students can become more reflective learners, make connections between curricular and co-curricular work, and prepare to enter the workforce. This chapter will help readers determine why they might pursue the use of eportfolios within their educational institution, at the course, program, or institutional levels.
Cultural Influence on Global Assessment of Higher Education Service Quality
Authors: Sultan Parves , Wong Ho Yin
Published: December 2013

This study compares students’ cultural influence on global assessment of higher education service quality. In particular, this study surveyed the full-time students (that is at least 24 credit points of study in a semester) studying at the Central Queensland University (CQU), Australia. CQU has ten campuses and is one of the largest universities in Australia, with more than 14,000 students, in which 3,000 students are enrolled as full-time students and 11,000 as part-time students. An online survey was undertaken, and 227 responses from full-time students were returned for data analysis. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to determine valid and reliable dimensions of perceived service quality. Tests of differences such as ANOVA and t-test were conducted to examine the differences of perceived service quality in terms of four cultural dimensions; namely, power distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity. Findings show that different cultures perceive service quality differently; especially administrative service quality and physical facilities service quality.