Skills & values | International experience gives business leaders an edge, study finds

Business leaders with international experience play a significant role in shaping the success of their organisations and are often associated with stronger organisational performance, including higher growth, profitability and stock market performance, according to a new study.

The study, by Dr Fei Qin of the University of Bath School of Management and her co-researchers Professor Klaus Meyer of the Ivey Business School and Professor Sabina Tasheva Nielsen of University of Sydney, examined how the international experience of chief executives, founders, senior management teams and boards influences business strategy and performance.

“International experience is much more than simply spending time abroad. It can be accrued through formative years abroad, education, work assignments, or exposure to different cultures and business environments," said Dr Qin.

"These experiences can develop leaders’ understanding of foreign markets, broaden their professional networks and shape how they interpret opportunities and risks. More importantly, its value is not limited to multinational firms with global operations. It can also help smaller or local firms become more entrepreneurial, creative and innovative."