In today's interconnected world, business success requires a global mindset and the ability to navigate diverse cultural and legal landscapes. Business schools must equip their students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this dynamic environment as the business world becomes increasingly globalized. The Knauss School of Business is at the forefront of this effort, offering a range of programs and opportunities that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the global marketplace. Being located in San Diego, California, at the edge of an international border, helps the Knauss School equip students for their globally-focused careers.
Choosing a global business career requires an understanding of international markets, the business acumen to operate across borders and the skills to navigate different cultural norms.
In international business dealings, ethics are crucial. Ethical considerations serve as the bedrock upon which sustainable and responsible business practices are built, ensuring that companies comply with legal standards and respect and positively contribute to the communities and environments in which they operate. Starting with ethical business practices becomes even more crucial when businesses expand across borders. As industries go international, they must incorporate and accommodate a mosaic of cultural norms, business practices and regulatory environments.
For instance, a multinational corporation operating in a country with minimal labor laws faces the dilemma of adhering to local standards or applying their home country's stricter practices. Decisions like these go beyond legal compliance and relate to choosing the option that best protects human rights and promotes fair labor practices globally.
Navigating these challenges isn’t often instinctive; it demands a robust foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills. This is where ethics-focused courses come into play. Courses like these prepare students with the theoretical knowledge, practical insights and frameworks to analyze and make ethical decisions in complex international contexts. They foster an understanding of how ethical considerations in business are not just a matter of personal integrity but are crucial to long-term success and sustainability in global markets.
The goal is to equip future business leaders to discern what is legally required in varying international scenarios and strive for what is ethically correct. In doing so, they foster businesses that are profitable, ethical and responsible global citizens. In doing so, they ensure the success of their business and contribute to the welfare of the wider community, setting a standard for ethical conduct in global business operations.
The Knauss School of Business offers several courses that prepare students for ethical global business. One course, GSBA 508: Law, Policy and Ethics, examines the complex array of political, legal, historical and moral concerns in the international business environment. By analyzing the principles of social responsibility, ethics, diversity and law and stakeholder theory as they apply to organizations, domestically and abroad, students gain an understanding of ethical international business operations.
Another course, GSBA 501: Leading Multicultural Team and Organizations, focuses on socially responsible and ethical leadership of international teams and organizations. Students acquire competencies in critical thinking, comparative ethical reflection, situational leadership and multicultural team building so they can effectively navigate different cultural practices.
At the Knauss School of Business, current and graduate students benefit from a robust global network of alumni. These connections provide career support, mentorship and a web of international contacts that set graduates up to impact their careers internationally from day one.
By connecting with alumni who have established successful careers in various parts of the world, students can gain valuable insights, advice, and guidance to navigate the global business landscape. These connections not only offer career-related benefits but also pave the way for meaningful collaborations, partnerships, and business opportunities on an international scale.
Knauss School of Business Students participate in short-term study abroad opportunities, each intended to give students first-hand experience learning global business practices. Each program aligns with one or more of the graduate business programs at USD, often including an opportunity to consult for an international client.
These opportunities allow students to immerse themselves in global marketplaces' different cultures and business environments, providing invaluable hands-on experience to carry into their careers after graduation. Their experiences give them a leg-up in the worldwide business market, allowing them to fall back on their experiences and connections made during their time abroad.
Students also benefit from the International Consulting Experience, a mandatory aspect of the program that connects students with non-profit organizations in the area and abroad. By working with diverse international clients, students globalize their consulting experience and carry the connections into future careers.
“I had a client who wanted to start a food delivery business from their home. They wanted to make and sell soul food, so I helped them with financial, marketing, branding and business planning. At the end of the process, they had a whole new way of looking at their business. Helping them and seeing their joy made me feel great. I’ve kept the line of communication open and told them I’d help them out pro bono if they ever needed me.”
– Abhimanyu Sharma, MBA Student
The faculty at the Knauss School of Business has international business experience. They lend their expertise to students and help them make lasting connections in the business world.
Eileen Daspro, Clinical Professor of International Business, teaches international business, international comparative management and global strategy. She has twenty years of international work experience as a professor, researcher and manager in Brazil, France, Venezuela and Mexico. She has always been passionate about global business and education. She earned a Doctorate of Business Administration in international business from Argosy University and master's degrees in language education and Latin American studies. Read Eileen’s Op-Ed, “From Immigrants to Entrepreneurs”.
USD’s Knauss School of Business is committed to providing its students with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in the globalized economy. Through its focus on ethics, diverse faculty, alum network and study abroad opportunities, the school equips its students with the global perspectives and cultural competencies essential for success in today's interconnected business world.
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