Global Classroom: Multicultural Approaches and Organizational Strategies in Teaching and Learning Business and Economics

In an increasingly globalized world, the face of higher education—particularly in the fields of business and economics—is evolving rapidly. Classrooms are more culturally diverse than ever, reflecting a kaleidoscope of backgrounds, perspectives, and learning styles. Offering educators strategies for navigating culturally diverse classrooms Global Classroom addresses the challenges, effective communication techniques, inclusive curricula, and real-world case studies in business and economics education. Acknowledging the need for more discussion in the literature as business becomes more global, and as students are not just learning to operate within their home countries; they are learning to engage with different cultures and economic systems, the chapters confront methodologies that are still grounded in Western-centric ideologies and raises awareness of the complexities involved in teaching a culturally diverse student body. Seeking to arm educators with specific strategies to tackle challenges, such as language barriers, ethnocentric curricula, and varying degrees of familiarity with technology in a constantly more globalized and multicultural environment, the chapters act as a catalyst for instigating institutional change by providing administrators and policymakers with insights into the need for more inclusive pedagogical training and resources. Weaving in real-world case studies and expert interviews and placing special emphasis on the case study of Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy, this book combines theory with practical advice and serves as a timely and essential tool for educators, administrators, and policymakers engaged in business and economics education in a culturally diverse setting.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: The landscape of modern higher education in business and economics; Matthew C. Rousu Section I. Understanding the global business classroom Chapter 1. Becoming culture, transmitting culture; Aneta Chybicka and Andrzej Piotrowski Chapter 2. Culture and its impact on learning; Shima Mirzaei Chapter 3. Varied educational backgrounds: Learner aspirations, active instruction and classroom expectations; Joanna Simos Chapter 4. The landscape of global business higher education; Jan Klakurka and Candice Chow Section II. Challenges and strategies for success Chapter 5. Between multiculturalism and multilingualism: Educational challenges in contemporary societies; Vincenzo Basile and Clelia Cascella Chapter 6. Ethnocentric curricula and western-centric methodologies; Iñaki Pérez-Ibáñez Chapter 7. Effective communication techniques for a diverse student body; Carol Del Vitto Chapter 8. Strategies for engaging a multicultural classroom; Ingrid S. Greene Section III. So in the classroom, so in the workplace: managerial perspective and the role of HRM Chapter 9. Diversity and inclusion: From classroom discussion to corporate policies; Floriana Pollio and Filomena Riemma Chapter 10. Managing workforce diversity with AI-based HRM; Viviana Colombi Evangelista and Ludovica Del Barone Chapter 11. How HR interacts with and influences Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Charles J. Priolo Section IV. Technology bringing distant worlds closer Chapter 12. Leveraging technologies for inclusion: Insights on higher education organizations; Eleonora Veglianti and Luisa Varriale Chapter 13. The virtual global classroom; Paola Cascinelli Chapter 14. The evolving landscape of AI in higher education; Lynne Bowker Chapter 15. Unlocking the wealth of cultures with technology; John D. Branch and Amy Gillett Section V. Real-world applications Chapter 16. Training and skills development in business: The case of the Sant’Anna Institute; Marco Marino and Davide de Gennaro Chapter 17. The role of avatars in enhancing cultural diversity and classroom dynamics in education; Bice Della Piana, Sara Carbone, Francesco Di Vincenzo, and Chiara Signore Chapter 18. Enriching student learning experiences and global awareness through inclusive intensive abroad course: A case study (abridged) of Strategy in the European Context; Jan Klakurka and Candice Chow Chapter 19. Promoting equality through ethical AI and DEI principles: A case study of the LSST; Emilia D’Avino, Davide de Gennaro, Laura Inno, and Giulia Vicentini Chapter 20. Language barriers and communication hurdles at the University of Rhode Island; Sigrid Berka and Donna Gamashe-Griffiths Section VI. Conclusions and recommendations toward a more inclusive future Chapter 21. Policy recommendations and institutional changes; Harika Rao