How important is the nationality of the top management position holder in global businesses?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Many globally minded companies realize that the best person for a top management job or board position is not necessarily someone born in the home country. The ability to speak foreign languages is one difference between managers born and raised in the United States and those born and raised elsewhere. There are many examples of executives who were from countries other than the country where the business is located. Alexander Trotman was born in England and speaks English, French, and German. Howard Stringer is the chief executive at Sony. Generally speaking, however, Japanese companies have been reluctant to place non-Japanese nationals in top positions. For years, only Sony, Mazda, and Mitsubishi had foreigners on their boards. In March 1999, the French company Renault SA bought a stake in Nissan Motor and installed a Brazilian, Carlos Ghosn, as president. An outsider, Ghosn was required to move aggressively to cut costs and make drastic changes in Nissan's structure. He also introduced two new words into Nissan's lexicon: speed and commitment. His life story and exploits have been so important that he is celebrated in a big comic that is popular with Japanese.