3rd International Conference on “Cross-Cultural Management: Practice and Research” organized by International Centre for Cross Cultural Research and Human Resource Management, University of Jammu in collaboration with Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) was inaugurated today by Prof. Varun Sahni, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu the Chief Guest of the occasion. Dr Anil K Khandelwal, Ex-Chairman and MD, Bank of Baroda was the keynote speaker and Sh. Mushtaq Ahmad, Chairman and CEO, Jammu & Kashmir Bank Limited was the special guest for the inaugural. Prof Vipin Gupta from California State University presented special remarks. The Conference is being attended by faculty and research scholars of various national level management schools besides corporate guests.
Prof. Varun Sahni, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu in his address said that globalization can be described as a widening, deepening and speeding up of worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of contemporary social life inclusive of cultural, economic, social and spiritual. He further elaborated the four inter-related themes of globalization as notion of material interconnectedness, subjective globalness, technologies and transportation including communication and the struggle of power and politics. He also mentioned that globalization should be viewed as a platform to renew inter-cultural ties. Prof. Sahni congratulated the International Centre and faculty members for organizing the conference which is third in the series which has brought together the practitioners and academicians.
Dr Anil K Khandelwal, Ex Chairman and MD, Bank of Baroda in his keynote address deliberated on the interpretation and understanding of cross-cultural management while relating it to successful business outcomes. He further added that Global corporations are key study centres for culture and working with people of different nationalities is an extremely challenging and fascinating phenomenon. Dr.Khandelwal while citing live examples explained that cross-cultural management is a core issue linked to the globalized economy. He appreciated the University of Jammu in promoting research in the domain of cross-cultural management through its Centre for Cross-Cultural Research and Human Resource Management.
Sh. Mushtaq Ahmad, Chairman and CEO, Jammu & Kashmir Bank Limited in his address emphasized on the need to study cross-cultural management in a state like Jammu and Kashmir. He discussed the various issues in relation to the intra-regional and intra-national diversity and the challenges posed for the business leaders. He also informed that the J&K Bank has supported this Conference as a part of its social responsibility drive in promoting education and academics in areas which carry contemporary relevance.
Prof. Vipin Gupta in his detailed empirical presentation on “Family Business management Across Cultures: The CASE Project” highlighted the case related to cultural issues affecting family businesses across the world.
Earlier Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Director, The Business School and International Centre for Cross Cultural Research and Human Resource Management and the Conference Convener in her welcome address said that cross-cultural research once a peripheral area, is now prominent in organizations and management studies. She informed that during the three days various themes including Cross-cultural Strategic Management in the age of globalization, cross-cultural challenges in human resource management, cross-cultural opportunities in global marketing, intra-national and regional diversity within nations and cross-cultural research methodologies shall be addressed across four panel tracks, four technical tracks and a doctoral workshop. She thanked all the invited speakers and delegates for coming to University of Jammu and sharing their wisdom and experiences.
During the function the Conference Proceedings and a book titled “Management Perspectives in the New Age: Strategy, Markets and People” edited by Prof. Neelu Rohmetra and Dr. Dinesh Sharma were also released.
Prof. Ashok Aima, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, University of Jammu presented the formal vote of thanks. Dr. Anil Gupta, Conference Secretary, conducted the proceedings of the function.
Later during the day, two panel track sessions were conducted wherein Prof Neharika Vohra, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad dealt on issues related Intercultural Competence, Prof A.K Saihjpal, Vice Chancellor, Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technology, Baddi presented insights related Cross-Cultural Management; Mr. A. Thothathri Raman, Chairman, SEAA trust, New Delhi highlighted cross-cultural management issues in the changing global order; Prof S. Bhargava, Shailesh J Mehta School of Management, IIT Mumbai touched upon cross-cultural issues in talent management, Prof S.B Dash, IIM Lucknow presented empirical research on developing a cross-cultural vision through marketing research, and Prof Ashok Ogra, Director, Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi touched issues corresponding to global branding and local marketing during the two panel tracks. Dr Komal Nagar and Dr Jaya Bhasin were the track coordinators.
