INCORPORATING INDIGENOUS WISDOM IN THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF MANAGEMENT EDUCATION: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN VIETNAM

Aims: This study investigates the challenges and opportunities of incorporating indigenous wisdom into the internationalization of management education in Vietnam, an emerging economy. The focus is on leveraging the cultural and historical contexts of indigenous wisdom to enhance the value of international management education for students and the local community. Place and Duration of Study: We conducted15 semi-structure interviews with informants from leading business schools in Vietnam, from November 2023 to April 2024. Methodology: An inductive theory-building approach was employed through exploratory interviews to explore and capture the dynamic nature of incorporating indigenous wisdom in the internationalization of management education in Vietnam. The constant comparative method, involving three coding cycles (open coding, axial coding, and selective coding), was used to identify and refine relevant theoretical themes from the empirical data. Results: The findings reveal key challenges and opportunities for management educators, academic administrators, and university leaders. Three main opportunities identified are: (a) enhancing cultural sensitivity and diversity, (b) fostering global leadership with local insight, and (c) promoting inclusive leadership practices. The key challenges include:(a) risks of cultural appropriation, (b) navigating diverse indigenous perspectives, and (c) overcoming Western-centric curriculum bias. Conclusion: This study highlights that incorporating indigenous wisdom into the internationalization of management education offers a pathway to a more holistic and inclusive approach. This integration can foster a deeper and more meaningful understanding of global management practices, contributing to a more equitable and interconnected world while creating value for the local community.