This October, the University of the Fraser Valley School of Business, in collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Institute of Management and Regional Economics, hosted an exciting one-week program on leadership in the context of globalization for students from both institutions.
This program included several site visits, immersing participants into various topics. Activities included a visit to Garaventa Lift—a Swiss company operating globally in Canada; a harbour boat tour of the port of Vancouver, the largest port on the west coast of North America; a day experiencing Canadian First Nations’ business traditions and culture; a tour of the famous “Gastown District,” known internationally as the epicentre of the urban revolution, and North America’s third largest Chinatown. The week was topped-off with a dinner sponsored by the Director of the School of Business.
The seminars for the week featured presentations, discussions, and activities around several themes including:
The Canadian business landscape in the context of globalization. This theme examined Vancouver as the Asia-Pacific gateway and looked at conducting business in Asia, India, and Latin America from a Canadian perspective. A visit to the port of Vancouver was also organized, including a harbour boat tour.
Managing firms in the global context. This theme involves global leadership and managing cross-cultural workplaces. Students learnt about leadership strategies for a global manager.
Negotiating across cultures. This theme challenged the art of negotiating across cultures and featured a discussion and group activity which practiced cultural sensitivity and awareness.
First Nations cultural diversity and economic development. This theme featured presentations from the Stó:lō Nation on economic diversity and doing business globally while acting locally. Participants experienced First Nations’ culture and customs while learning about the relationship between the environment and business. In addition, a colonial perspective was offered at the Fort Langley National Historic Site, where students were given a private tour. Students were invited to a traditional salmon dinner with members of the Kwantlen First Nation.
Leadership in the context of globalization. This theme featured project presentations and a panel discussion, summarizing leadership in the global context.
The final day participants gathered all of the information they learned throughout the week and presented their conclusions. The week was capped-off with the closing ceremony and awards.
