Above Boarders: Cross-Cultural Management for the New Business Strategies

On November 29-30, HSE University – St Petersburg hosted the annual Russian-Swiss Workshop on Internationalization and Cross-Cultural Management. The event gathered academics and businessmen who elaborated on the cultural peculiarities and their impact on business relations and corporations' perspectives.

© Maria Mironova

Organized by St Petersburg School of Economics and Management (SEM) in cooperation with Bern University of Applied Sciences, the event attracted professionals from a vast variety of industries – from FMCG to producing construction supplies and interiors, watchmaking, and hospitality.

Mr Roger Kull, the Consul General of Switzerland in St Petersburg, was a special guest at the event. Welcoming speeches were given by Prof Sergey Kadochnikov, Director of HSE Campus in St Petersburg, and Dr Vyacheslav Nesterov, Deputy Director of HSE Campus in St Petersburg.

Split up for two days, the event included plenary sessions and discussions on common issues and challenges in international business, as well as insights into the current approaches in cross-cultural management. To take part in the second day of the event, the participants moved from the HSE campus building to the Swiss technopark Mobahaus. 

Paul Ammann, the Head of Executive MBA in International Management, Bern University of Applied Sciences, focused his lectures on ‘International Market Entry’. He also gave the students from SEM the opportunity to solve an extensive case study and to discuss all important considerations for international market entry.

In particular, the topic of intercultural cooperation was covered in depth. Based on the Hofstede model of cultural differences between countries, the students had to formulate their strategies regarding how to deal with employees and partners in the new export target country.

The students successfully completed a sophisticated case-study assignment showing a deep knowledge and a high level of awareness about international business affairs. They presented their very elaborate solutions and treated the lecturer's feedback in a positive way. The extensive interaction made the lectures and case studies a very positive experience for the lecturers and the students.

Azat Ambartsumyan

A 2-nd year students of the Bachelor’s programme 'International Business and Management Studies'

I have never listened to a lecture with such an interest. It was very useful.

Shakhnoza Turaeva

A 2nd year students of the Bachelor’s programme 'International Business and Management Studies'

The presentations and the excursion exceeded all my expectations.

Ramal Abbasguliev

A 2nd year students of the Bachelor’s programme 'International Business and Management Studies' 

I really enjoyed the visit. The only thing I regret about is that I didn't ask more questions. I hope I will have another chance.

Alexander

A 1st year student of the Master’s programme 'Management and Analytics for Business'

I would like to convey my appreciation for this successful and insightful workshop.