Title: Insights from the classroom: culture and networks – identification and analysis of challenging factors

Authors: Katrin Scheffler, Anke Sadowski, Joanna Kujawa, Ali Yusuf

Addresses: International Institute of Management, University of Flensburg, Munketoft 3, Flensburg 24943, Germany. ' International Institute of Management, University of Flensburg, Munketoft 3, Flensburg 24943, Germany. ' Department of Management and Marketing, University of Lodz, Matejki 22/26, Lodz 90-237, Poland. ' Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University of Nijmegen, Thomas van Aquinostraat 5, 6525 GD Nijmegen, Postbus 9108, 6500 HK Nijmegen, Netherlands

Abstract: This paper is the result of a distance learning project held between the above named Universities. The objective of the project (April to July 2006) was to create international students teams that work on a joint research project. The students participated in two seminars in Flensburg and in Nijmegen on the topics innovation, intercultural management and transborder cooperation. Team work was supported by teleconferences and the learning platform MOODLE. This paper deals with the topic of culture in network and gives first insights on challenging aspects in cross-border cooperation. In order to approach the topic empirically, research has been undertaken in a network located between the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland. Challenges and obstacles in this network are shown to find possible approaches to overcome cultural diversity. Information and communication infrastructure has been identified as a main driver of good network performance.

Keywords: networks; culture; cross-border cooperation; distance learning; international students; international teams; innovation; intercultural management; transborder cooperation; teleconferencing; higher education; Czech Republic; Germany; Poland; cultural diversity; information infrastructure; communication infrastructure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2007.014189

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2007 Vol.2 No.1, pp.88 - 106

Published online: 24 Jun 2007 *

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