Cultural Differences as Barriers to Improving Positions in the International Rankings of Universities from Less Developed Countries

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the chapter is to determine the role of management of cultural differences in improving the positions of universities of developing countries in international rankings, as well as to develop recommendations for improving this management. Design/methodology/approach: The research objects are the top 10 universities from developing countries that occupy the best positions in the QS ranking in 2022. The chapter contributes to the development of the concept of globalization of science and higher education by substantiating the key role of the factor of cultural differences and ways to overcome them in ensuring the global competitiveness of universities in developing countries. Findings: As a result, the central place of internalization in the system of global competitiveness of universities from developing countries has been proved. Originality/value: The theoretical significance of the results and conclusions is that they identified cultural differences as a barrier to improving positions in international rankings of universities from developing countries, and also determined prospects for overcoming this barrier – through the development of international students and international faculty. The practical significance of the research lies in developing a new approach to managing the global competitiveness of universities in developing countries through their internationalization, which enables them to overcome the lag behind universities in developed countries and compete for leading positions in international university rankings.