ISSN:
0262-1711
Source:
Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
Topics:
Economics
Notes:
For a practice field to be of greatest value in developing globalleadership capability, it needs to be constructed so as to combinemeaningful cultural and national issues with realistic interpersonaldynamics. Examines how two practice fields designed to facilitatesystems thinking and organizational learning - Foodcorp International andGlobalcorp - accomplish this task. Both are behavioural simulations (notcomputer simulations) and each creates a realistic context, amicroworld, for people to interact on business and global issues. Bothcan be used to: (1) bring to the surface cultural assumptions in asocial-business context where they can be observed, tracked anddiscussed relative to various effectiveness criteria; (2) create a teamcapable of performing with a shared vision and common mental models; and(3) develop leaders who can create as well as accommodate microculturalnorms. Preliminary results using this practice field approach aresupportive of these objectives. A growing number of organizations (e.g.Apple Computer, Citicorp, American Express, AT&T, Northern Telecom,Glaxo) and educational institutions (e.g. University of Michigan,Dartmouth College, Indiana University, New York University, theUniversity of Tampa) use such tools in their educational efforts. Thispermits a rigorous examination of the utility of these tools inmanagement development. Describes the approach, provides two examples ofhow microworld practice fields are used, and shares the results of theresearch under way.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/02621719410071946
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