A Values Constraint in Internationalizing the Business Curriculum

Abstract

Research on worldminded-ness and related work on international adjustment and effectiveness suggest that highly worldminded individuals will be more productive in international business. This study of worldminded attitudes in a university student population reveals that business majors are less worldminded than majors in other fields. In addition, the gap between business majors and other majors widens with class progression and student age, as business student worldmindedness declines while that of other students increases.

The contribution of the total program of business studies to the evolution of student attitudes appropriate for international business has to be considered in efforts to internationalize the curriculum. International business courses alone may not be adequate to alter student attitude trends unfavorable to international work. Further examination of student worldminded attitudes suggests that required language classes and study abroad programs are not likely to have a significant influence in raising student worldmindedness.