The government is encouraging New Zealand managers to adopt a “global mindset” in order to realise the international growth potential of their businesses. And it’s encouraging that growth with a $1.3 million programme.

Minister for Economic Development Gerry Brownlee said that research showed New Zealand businesses lagged behind other countries in adopting the management mindset needed to succeed in international waters.

“Management and leadership capability affects the productivity of businesses operating internationally. If we are to improve productivity, and therefore economic growth, we need to improve the capability of New Zealand managers and executives doing business overseas,” Brownlee said.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has appointed a consortium that includes The University of Auckland Business School, The Icehouse and United States-based Thunderbird School of Global Management (rated first in the world for executive education by the Wall Street Journal we’ll have you know) to design a 12-month pilot programme to help managers improve their global management and leadership skills.

Research released earlier this year by the Ministry of Economic Development showed that the  management practices of New Zealand manufacturers were “middling to average” by global standards.

“The Management Matters report showed our manufacturing firms are good at operational and performance management, but find it hard to attract and retain talented staff and are not good at addressing poor performance.  There is a lot we can learn from being exposed to overseas best practice,” Brownlee added.