Internationalisation or Indigenisation of Educational Management Development? Some issues of cross-cultural transfer

Recent years have seen significant shifts in thinking about the most effective approaches to educational management development, with many common themes to be found in discussion and practice worldwide. The internationalisation of models and materials may not be surprising in an increasingly global culture; however it is debatable as to whether this is altogether desirable. This article seeks to fuel such a debate. It opens with a brief overview of recent trends in the West and less-developed countries (LDCs) and then considers international experiences in related areas, including management development and distance education. This broader framework helps in identifying key questions of cross-cultural transfer which are then used to assess the legitimacy of transferring models such as school-based management self-development from one cultural context to another. It is suggested that whilst some form of indigenisation of educational management development and materials may be most appropriate, the knowledge base on which to base such a strategy remains limited. National, international and comparative studies could help inform activities in this area.