Seattle Unversity visits Christ University, Bangalore, India
by Bernard Ablola
Sep 24, 2009 India 2009, MBA
My favorite days of the MBA International Study Tours is always visiting the local universities. Last year was Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, this year we were fortunate to have a joint case study with Christ University in Bangalore. We discussed and prepared a marketing and an information technology presentation to the group.
I was thoroughly impressed with the Indian MBA students. They were overly prepared. They had an unlimited number of charts, graphs, SWOT analysis, Boston Consulting Group Matrixes and articles to support their analysis. I was blown away by the level of details. Each team had an appointed a subject matter expert. Laptops and mobile devices were quickly being banged and tapped to find the latest articles and information.
Micro and Macro Level - The Perfect Solution
The themes I noticed between the U.S. and Indian MBA students were one of “micro versus macro” level analysis. Another student referred to this as “data versus gut feelings.” The Indian students are well trained to use data and supporting materials, in an almost engineering like fashion. My U.S. counterparts were good at managing information and tying it all together.
This exercise was an amazing example of how to effectively collaborate between two cultures and leverage each other’s strengths. The key is leveraging these strengths and cultural differences is keeping your focus on the goal. This is especially difficult across the country and in different time zones. However, effective companies will try to make the culture a universal one.
My goal from this experience is to keep in contact (Facebook) with these future leaders of India and learn from each others. I am excited to observe their career paths and report to you as the globalization of India takes off.
Action item: Continually look for ways in your business or occupation that you can learn from others. Look for different ways to present and analyze the data that is against your normal way of thinking.
To your success!
Bernard
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