Learning to lead in a changing world: Business school in South Africa

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to review an analysis of Nexus, a learning program at the Gordon Institute of Business Science in Johannesburg. It aims to highlight how Nexus has tried to respond to real business needs in South Africa, and to give details on the learning techniques that have been judged most effective.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments.

Findings

The paper finds that, traditionally, going to business school has involved sitting in a classroom listening to a professor explain the various business models that should bring about the highest profits. Students have learned that for the best leaders, the business world is predictable and controllable. It has been this similar message in many developed countries. But over the past few years, business schools have begun to rethink their approach, reassessing the business climate with its changing needs and demands. Courses are now having to respond to the complexities of globalization as well as local social and political concerns, and business's increasing responsibility within the community has prompted new thoughts on how to train future leaders.

Practical implications:

The paper offers leadership development recommendations that will be of interest to business schools

Originality/value

The paper highlights alternative, out‐of‐classroom learning methods and evaluation of how they have been received over a four year period.

Citation

(2008), "Learning to lead in a changing world: Business school in South Africa", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 22 No. 5, pp. 21-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280810896417