Live from Holland – leading international business scholar delivers Skype presentation

​One of the world’s most prominent business scholars delivered a live Skype presentation to a group of University of Northampton students.

Five BA International Business students invited Professor Geert Hofstede to join them for a seminar via Skype – and were delighted when he accepted.

Prof Hofstede, who is a leading authority on cultural studies and international business, spent time discussing his work with the group, which comprised undergraduates Boikanyo Makobole, Muchie Mandongwe, Danielle Hall, Thembi Mlilo and Lola Olafisoye.

The group said: “When Prof Hofstede agreed to be interviewed for our seminar we were ecstatic and by far it is by far our biggest achievement so far. We were honoured to speak to one of the biggest academics in international business.”

Dr Spiros Batas, who is leader of the Global Business Development module at the University’s Northampton Business School, said: “This is a good example of how we can all raise the bar by encouraging and motivating our students to be actively engaged with big scholars around the world. It was an amazing experience for both the students and staff.

“It was a unique opportunity to interact with a leading authority, and hear how he developed his Seven Dimensions of Culture module – and will also help us to establish further links with the Hofstede Centre.”

He added: “The Global Business Development team, which also includes Dr Chijioke Uba (group’s seminar tutor) and Dr Mils Hills, is extremely proud of all the students of this module.

“Professor Hofstede highlighted that every person in a specific culture is part of a jigsaw puzzle and that the puzzle is based on one culture. He also added that Masculinity vs Femininity is interpreted differently by scholars. The western countries, especially the UK and USA, ask about this dimension more than continental Europe and stated that there is a lot of confusion over the feminist aspect of the dimension. He also believes that in theory, the world becoming one giant country would be good, however, impractical because of fundamental deep rooted cultural beliefs and values.”

For more information on the Hofstede centre and Professor Hofstede, visit http://geert-hofstede.com/.