In today’s global marketplace, understanding cross-cultural leadership is more important than ever. Managers must adapt to diverse environments and collaborate with people from various backgrounds.
To explore this, Gang Wang, the Madeline Duncan Rolland Professor at the Florida State University College of Business, spent last semester researching in Finland. He was awarded the Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics, a program that allows U.S. scholars to lecture and conduct research at one of Europe’s leading business schools.
Wang’s primary focus in Finland was a two-part study examining leadership and human resource management in corporate mergers. He specifically investigated how the attractiveness of a CEO—based on their facial features—might influence a company’s acquisition premium, or the difference between what a company is bought for versus its actual market value. He created a database with images of CEOs, along with details like age, ethnicity, and education.
According to Wang, “People generally trust attractive CEOs, which can lead to higher acquisition premiums.” This insight points to a natural human tendency to associate attractiveness with capability.
During his time at Hanken, Wang worked alongside other academics, gaining fresh perspectives on research approaches from around the world. He found common ground with his peers and shared interests, making it easier to collaborate. “The more we talked, the more we realized we had similar ideas,” he said.
Wang also appreciated the work-life balance in Finland, noting that locals prioritize family time more than Americans typically do. “People understand and respect that,” he remarked. He observed a relaxed atmosphere at Hanken, where first-name usage is common, reflecting a less stressful working environment.
The connections he made were valuable. One of his hosts was already familiar with Wang’s research, which quickly fostered collaboration. “Immediately, we connected,” he said, underlining the importance of global networks.
Wang’s Fulbright experience wasn’t just a professional opportunity—it was a personal journey of growth and collaboration, supported by both Hanken and Florida State University. He encourages other faculty to seek similar experiences: “It’s a wonderful chance to engage with peers from other cultures.”
For those interested in applying for a Fulbright, whether you’re a faculty member or a student, resources are available at FSU.
In summary, Wang’s research and collaborations in Finland highlight the importance of understanding and adapting to different cultural perspectives in business, proving that leadership and personal connections transcend borders.
