Hankamer Hosts Global Cultural Fest

Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business (HSB) hosted the third annual Global Cultural Fest on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation. 

The event, sponsored by the Chirst-Centered Community and Belonging Initiative, the McBride Center for International Business and the Department of Economics, is a student-led activity discussing the national cultures that influence global business. Students in the INB 3333 – Doing Business Across Cultures course shared about common business practices found in countries that partner with the United States in trade activities. 

“What we emphasize in this class is business practices vary quite a bit around the world,” said Wayne Hampton, a lecturer for the course. “When Americans go to do business in other countries, many times they aren’t aware of the cultural differences.” 

This year, 16 countries were on display, including Brazil, China, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Zambia. 

The students representing each country discussed culture, market opportunities and modes of entry with faculty, staff, students and other visitors at the Global Cultural Fest. While attendees walked away with interesting information, Hampton believes his students have a better understanding of how to approach international working relationships. 

Kennedy Studdert, a senior Entrepreneurship and Management major from Kingwood, Texas, was one of the students representing Iceland. She enjoyed learning about the different approaches to business many Icelanders have, including what she believes to be a healthier work/life balance than U.S. workers. 

“We know it is common for Americans to bring their work home with them,” Studdert said. “I know from personal experience. I saw my dad working late growing up, and I know many of us at Baylor saw that, too. In Iceland, they take the work/life balance differently. It is not uncommon to have a three- or four-day work week, especially if they feel they have finished their work and need more family time.” 

Studdert also enjoyed learning about the other countries her classmates were presenting on, many of which she wants to travel to. She learned a lot about business practices that also translate to cultural practices people should understand when traveling abroad. 

“It’s important to be culturally aware and ask questions, whether in business or not,” Studdert said. “There are great things to take away from other cultures, such as in Japan, where people spend a lot of time getting to know each other before they start talking business. I think we should focus on the relationship in front of us.” 

Global business is a key initiative for the Business School. The Global Cultural Fest is just one example of international-focused events, programs and courses that have expanded in recent years for HSB. 

“The business world is more globally intertwined than ever before,” said Sandeep Mazumder, PhD, the William E. Crenshaw Endowed Dean of the Business School. “It is crucial for our students to have an understanding of international business, whether through study abroad programs, internships or course projects such as this.” 

To learn more about global business initiatives at HSB, visit the McBride Center website. Learn more about the International Business major by visiting the Baylor Admissions website.