| Global mindset is a key attribute for successful leaders in the 21 st century global economy. This study is the first known empirical analysis of the impact of nationality on the development of global mindset. Moreover, it is the first known study in global leadership comparing nationals with single or dual citizenships. It investigates the development of global mindset in U.S., German, and dual citizen leaders, and also investigates the personal, educational, and professional factors in the leader's background through which nationality affects global mindset. Data were comprised of responses to an online survey administered in English to leaders with a U.S. business address, and administered in German to leaders with a German business address. The final sample consisted of 268 leaders---109 U.S., 129 German, and 30 dual citizens. The multiple group analysis was conducted using a mixed methods approach with general linear model tests, such as ANOVA, linear regression, and multiple regression comprising the quantitative analysis, and thematic analysis comprising the qualitative analysis.;The study found no statistically significant difference in global mindset between U.S. and German citizens; however, it found that dual citizens have much higher global mindsets than citizens of a single country. The results also show that only six of 20 personal, educational, and professional factors in the leader's background differ significantly between U.S. and German citizens, but that 14 of these 20 factors differ significantly between leaders with dual and those with single citizenship. The results suggest that global mindset is not inherited, but acquired, and that personal, educational, and professional factors in the leader's background are the mediators through which nationality affects global mindset.;The study also explored how leaders immerse themselves effectively in a foreign culture. Moreover, the study identified 18 personal, educational, and professional factors that were found to be important to the development of a global mindset regardless of nationality. These important factors are applied to individual leadership development strategies and to organizational efforts to select, develop, and provide effective experiences that may contribute to the development of global mindset in future leaders to help them succeed in the world economy. |
