A new paradigm for business education

Abstract

As more and more organisations need not only be competitive in their internal markets, but need to be globally competitive, these economic changes impact on the content and context within which business education takes place. Company changes in the new millennium will impact on educational institutions, especially the traditional role of the business educator. As an example, due to the nature of companies becoming more and more information sensitive, managers and leaders alike need to enhance their oral and written communication skills. The pace of change within the economy as a whole is asking of managers and leaders alike to become more flexible and progressive in their management style, including developing entrepreneurial and innovation skills. Especially in the South African environment, it is important for leaders to realise the incredible potential in valuing the diverse perspective and talent of each person. The leader of the future has to learn to assist people of divergent values, beliefs and backgrounds and to weave all employees’ efforts into ultimately benefiting each individual and the organisation as a whole. Hence, what managers must be able to do in future will have a direct impact on what is needed in management education.