Use of a Parallel-Emic Research Model and Key-Word-In-Context Indexing Tool to Develop an Instructional Exercise to Promote Student Global Mindedness

ABSTRACT

Educators have long sought how to prepare students to develop a global mind set and to work under conditions of complexity and uncertainty common in many world markets. The purpose of this study was to support educators in this cause by providing them with a “hands-on” exercise readily adaptable across the business curriculum to identify how culture shapes business concepts/practices of interest. Details are presented in a step-by-step procedure based upon a recognized “parallel-emic” research model developed to study cross-cultural differences to ensure analytical rigor. A Key-Word-In-Context (KWIC) indexing tool was employed to add precision and efficiency to the search process to help students readily identify common (etic-derived) and unique factors (emic-specific) shaping business concepts/practices cross-culturally.

KEYWORDS:

• International business research and education
• International marketing research and education
• Cross-cultural research complexities and training
• Key-Word-In-Context indexing

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Mayo

Michael A. Mayo is an associate professor of marketing and entrepreneurship at Kent State University. He earned his PhD in clinical psychology from Kent State University. His teaching and research interests include international marketing, international business, marketing strategy, professional sales, marketing ethics, and curriculum internationalization. He has directed study-abroad programs in Europe, South America, and Asia and served as a UN SME training consultant for global competitiveness and supply chain management initiatives.

William Howell

William Howell is an associate professor of marketing and entrepreneurship at Kent State University. He earned his PhD from the university in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Prior to his Kent appointment, he taught economics, accounting, and management coursework at the University of Mount Union. Throughout his career, he has come to be known as an innovative teacher providing his students with career development/guidance services and support. His recent research interests focus on curriculum development issues.

Sara De Masi

Sara De Masi is an assistant professor of management at University of Florence (Italy) and lecturer at Kent State University and New York University. She is Director of International Relations for the Department of Economics and Management at the University of Florence. She earned her PhD in economics, markets, and institutions at IMT—Institute for Advanced Studies, one of the top postgraduate schools in Italy. Her research interests include international business, corporate strategy, innovation, and corporate governance.