Are leadership values taught on MBA programs universally applicable? This study examines the alignment of leadership values taught on UK MBA programmes with those expected and effective in Asian, Arab, and African cultures. Data was collected from 272 full-time MBA graduates from these regions shortly after completing their degrees in the UK. The analysis indicates that leadership curricula are largely based on a US-centric perspective, assuming universality, an ethnocentric approach largely attributed to the scarcity of alternative theories outside the USA. This is compounded by limited faculty expertise and interest in international dimensions of leadership. The research suggests a need for Western management schools to broaden their teaching approach, moving beyond Western biases to incorporate non-Western business perspectives.
Published in the Journal of Management Development, this paper aligns with the journal’s focus on exploring and improving management education and leadership practices. By examining the cross-cultural applicability of MBA leadership curricula, the study offers relevant insights for management educators and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of global leadership.