The False Dichotomy Between Globalism and Nationalism

Synonyms for globalism include development, growth, and maturation, and multinational executives are routinely encouraged to have a global mindset. Nationalism is often linked to negative things like bigotry, protectionism, and xenophobia. But it also carries positive connotations, such as patriotism and good citizenship, and it is on the rise. This has led some executives to ask themselves personally defining questions: “Am I a globalist or a nationalist? Can I be both?” The answer to the second question is yes, with a deliberately integrative approach. Before making any major decision that seems to juxtapose a globalist view against a nationalist view, take thefollowing steps. First, recognize and explain to your team that it is not only okay, but actually important, to take both perspectives into account even if we naturally lean toward one side or the other. Second, ask three questions: 1) What criteria would a pure nationalist decision-maker who focuses on clear benefits to national stakeholders use?; 2) What criteria would a pure globalist decision-maker who focuses on benefits to the global corporation and the broader world use?; and 3) How can we integrate at least some of the two sets of criteria in making the final decision?