Accounting for MBA experience through a Chinese lens

This paper explores cultural interpretation in transnational encounters. It treats Chinese MBA students as non-western research subjects, and seeks to dispel plausible misconceptions about them. As such, what sometimes appears to be puzzling Chinese behavior begins to make sense when interpretations are grounded in Chinese intellectual traditions? The empirical material is based on interviews with MBA students. The paper´s contribution to the debate on the future of MBA programmers is twofold: critiques of mainstream thought are necessary but insufficient for overcoming asymmetry in transnational encounters. There is a need for work on the conditions for cross-cultural dialogue. It is suggested that an ethical consideration is integral to such conditions. In this paper, the Chinese students are no mere dispensable backdrop to the writing but inscribed in their terms. It is hoped that a positive message is brought to cross-cultural exchange to the extent that this paper serves as one step to overcome asymmetry in understanding. This electronic document is a ldquoliverdquo template.