Reflexivity, Critical Reflection, and Mindfulness in Experiential Learning: Developing Successful International Business Graduates

Abstract

This conceptual and practitioner-oriented chapter draws from the reflexivity, critical reflection, and mindfulness literature to suggest opportunities to heighten the benefits from experiential learning activities in international business. This occurs at two levels with (1) instructors critically reflecting on their own teaching practice and (2) students critically reflecting on their own experiential learning, assumptions, and interactions with other students. This focus is presented in Figure 27.1. The chapter outlines why soft skills should be a vital part of international business education and how this can be developed through experiential activities which, combined with critical reflection, can lead to mindfulness. As well as explaining the value of reflexivity, critical reflection, and mindfulness for management education broadly, we focus specifically on the additional challenges when managing across cultures.