It's always been the goal of MBA programs to offer relevant education that aligns with real world demands.  With the increased emphasis on globalization, MBA programs have tailored their programs to provide a stronger understanding of globalization.  But just how effective have these programs been in adapting to real world globalization issues?

The Wall Street Journal conducted an interview with Pankaj Ghemawat, a professor of global strategy at the IESE business school in Barcelona, Spain.  His central premise is that schools need to do a better job of explaining, not only the opportunities of globalization, but also the limits.  He points out that the common perception is that globalization is much further along than it really is.  The world is getting flatter, but it's not nearly as flat as people think it is.

Another point made by Professor Ghemawat is that more MBA programs are incorporating trips into their program to expose students to other cultures.  But how much can really be assimilated in a one or two week trip to another country?  Can it impose the illusion of understanding which could actually be damaging to students understanding of globalization?

These are relevant questions for finance organizations that are recruiting from MBA programs.  What skills should a finance organization expect from new recruits?  What additional training is required to develop a mature understanding of the opportunities and limits of globalization?  In subsequent posts I'll discuss my thoughts on what finance organizations can do to develop global competencies, not just with newly hired MBAs but with their global organization.

It's an interesting read and you can catch the entire interview at Can Globalization be Taught in B-School?