On Globalizing Business Training in Africa: Toward a Theory of Business Education and Managerial Competence

Abstract

Globalization is a powerful force shaping today’s business environment. This paper focuses on how African business schools can prepare their students to manage for globalization. In line with the growing need for managing business in a volatile environment and that of balancing local and global challenges, this paper argues for a globally portable approach to management based on core competencies, which at the same time, is also sensitive to cultural and contextual contingencies that inform management in Africa. A theoretical model of business education leading to a theory of global managerial competence is offered with, competence located in the interstitial space where knowledge and skills cohere. Specific strategies for business schools and their implications for management training are discussed.