Intercultural competencies in managers of agricultural universities in the era of building the Society 5.0

Abstract

Purpose: Contacts with foreigners and their somewhat different ways of thinking and behavior (often incomprehensible to the Polish society), reaching back to the roots of the culture of a given country, region or community, are becoming an everyday reality nowadays. These processes also affect the change of standards in the field of intercultural competencies of managerial staff. The aim of this paper is to discuss the development of cultural competencies in managers that are necessary in the management of intercultural organizations. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses the desk research method of analysis. The analysis of available subject literature and data obtained from the websites of six Polish agricultural universities enabled establishment of facts, verification of data and presentation of results. Findings: The considerations presented in the article indicate that the key element of the changes taking place in organizations are intelligent human resources with cultural competencies. International cooperation and foreign contacts are important – whether through participation in common projects, conferences, research or student internships. Joint actions are also required rather than individual actions and the initiatives undertaken are consistent with the concept of the society 5.0. Practical implications: A common space for development, modern technology, creative thinking and joint commitment of the managerial staff and the academic community enable the building of a super-intelligent society and universities fit for the 21st century. Social implications: The advances in technology should always be used with consideration of the needs and the good of people, regardless of cultural differences. The world of people, machines and their surroundings should be interconnected and all these elements should be able to communicate with each other. Originality/value: The article is an original approach to searching for solutions that influence the change of standards in the area of key competencies of managerial staff, including intercultural competencies. Keywords: cultural competencies, intercultural manager, changes in organizations. Category of the paper: research paper.