What Is Global Management?
Global management refers to the way an organization manages its business internationally, including its sales, marketing, hiring and finance practices. Many schools offer training and degree programs in global management. Read on to learn more about responsibilities in this field of management and education programs that can prepare you to enter this career.
Overview of Global Management
As technology continues to connect the world, many organizations have taken advantage of the opportunity to conduct business globally. Global management combines knowledge of business, culture, history and social practices to help companies find their niches in the international business community and successfully work with other cultures.
As a global manager, you'll not only need to understand business principles, but you'll also need a firm grasp of the local customs, professional life and regional policies of the countries that your company wants to partner with. Many companies also look for managers who speak multiple languages and have experience representing more than one country, as well as those who are willing to move from one location to another.
Important Facts About Global Managers
| Median Salary (2022) | $108,702* (for all global account managers) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 6%** growth (for top executives- management occupations) |
| Key Skills | Bilingual, clear written and spoken communication, attention to detail, problem solving, social awareness, leadership, organization, observation, negotiation |
| Work Environment | Predominately office settings with extensive travel mixed in |
| Similar Occupations | Account executives; account mangers; business development directors; directors of sales and marketing; general / operations managers; national account managers |
Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Duties and Skills
Working as a global manager, you'll be in the unique position of managing a company's business and staff in a land that may have vastly different cultural and professional customs. In many regions, managers are needed to help companies tailor their business to the local culture. For example, as a global manager, you might need to learn the hiring practices of another country or the specific way that people communicate in the workplace to avoid potentially offending or confusing your foreign colleagues. You'll then need to train other employees in appropriate practices, such as pitching products to foreign customers in a polite manner consistent with their culture.
In order to carry out their jobs effectively, global managers need strong communication and interpersonal skills. They need to be highly sensitive to and respectful of cultural differences. Having an open mind and complex critical thinking skills is also essential.
Training Programs
If you want to receive a global management education, graduate programs are offered by a number of accredited business schools. Some bachelor's degree programs are available, though graduate certificate and degree programs are the most commonly offered. Global management training can be offered as part of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. You also can earn a Master of Science in Global Management.
These programs can introduce you to the social customs and business practices of different countries, teach you about international commerce and show you how to conduct business in foreign languages. Coursework may cover international human resources management, global supply chain management, foreign income taxes and international negotiation. Many schools can also offer you the opportunity to study abroad or complete an internship experience overseas.