Dimensions of an Individual Global Mindset

The process of globalization forces companies and individuals to develop global mindsets. However, what a global mindset means on an individual level, how it relates to globalization, and which factors influence this mindset remains unclear. So far, research on this topic has been more conceptual than empirical. In this article we will describe the individual global mindset and its dimensions based on interviews with fifteen global leaders of three multinational companies. Our empirical study reveals that an individual global mindset is a way one perceives the world and the globalization of markets, people and companies. A global leader has a global mindset when this person has a positive attitude toward the above mentioned developments. The functions of an individual global mindset to a global leader are a means to structure the complex global reality and to provide guidelines for appropriate leadership behavior like formulating a global vision and interpersonal skills. Therefore, an individual global mindset is a way of thinking rather than behavior. In comparison with a domestic or an expatriate leader a global leader is considered to possess a broader perspective on the world, on markets, companies, and people.