Mansour Javidan, Ph.D.
Director, The Garvin Center for Cultures and Languages of International Management

Cross-cultural communication is part of Mansour Javidan’s DNA. Iranian-born and U.S.-educated, Javidan grew up in a family that spoke five languages and practiced three different religions.

Today, he continues to immerse himself in culturally diverse environments as a global business leader. A frequent flier to all parts of the globe as an international business consultant, Javidan has worked or lived in more than 20 countries.

“I share my international experiences with students in the classroom,” says Javidan of his teaching emphasis in cross-cultural issues and management, global leadership and management of global teams. “The meetings, discussions and reactions I get from executives and managers in different parts of the world, the way they view the world, and how they understand issues helps me to provide a window to other cultures in my classroom.”

As a student in Javidan’s cross-cultural communication class, you’ll also learn about the dynamics of business and culture through a cross-border merger activity that puts you in direct contact with global executives whose corporations have, themselves, undergone cross-border mergers.

You’ll gain an insider’s perspective into real-time cultural situations that Javidan has experienced as an instructor and consultant. His prolific career has included international consultant positions with General Motors, Unilever and several Canadian and Asian corporations, as well as the governments of Canada, Austria and the province of Alberta. His consulting work with multinational corporations spans the globe – from Sweden, Spain and Singapore to Hong Kong, Chile and Poland.

Even Javidan’s favorite hobby – international travel -- focuses on understanding culture. “When I’m traveling for work, I always try to add a couple days to visit different destinations on foot. I love trying new places and learning about different cultures and people.”

Buenos Aires is his favorite destination, due to the country’s complex mix of Latin and European culture.

Learn more about Dr. Javidan by accessing his online biography or view other Thunderbird faculty profiles.