Shaped by Italy’s unique cultural heritage and history, Bologna Business School (BBS) and its organizational culture deserve to be explored in detail. The school’s approach to education goes beyond traditional business knowledge. Students in its Global MBA programs step out as polished leaders, equipped with a global mindset, interdisciplinary thinking, and innovation.
Let’s get to know the values, communication styles, and practices that inspire professionals from across the world to pursue a business degree at BBS.
A culture rooted in history and innovation
One of the first things students notice when studying in Italy, and especially at Bologna Business School, is the seamless mix of history and modernity. Located at the heart of Bologna, BBS is known for being part of the world’s oldest university – the University of Bologna, established in 1088. It embodies centuries-old traditions of knowledge without neglecting the importance of innovation and a forward-thinking mindset. For example, one of the Global MBA programs at BBS focuses specifically on Supercars, Superbikes & Motorsports – a unique program and as Global MBA graduate James Gentile calls it: “the first and only MBA of its kind anywhere in the world”.
This blend of the old and the new creates an environment where students feel encouraged to respect tradition but also to challenge norms. It creates a space that values both heritage and progressive thinking.
Interdisciplinarity as a catalyst for creativity
One of the defining features of the culture at Bologna Business School is its commitment to interdisciplinarity. Many traditional business programs only focus on core business skills in their teaching. But the Global MBA programs at BBS always integrate knowledge from diverse fields such as technology, humanities, social sciences, and art. By combining insights from different disciplines, the Italian school teaches its students that it can be rewarding and effective to tackle challenges from multiple perspectives.
Studying core business skills will always be at the center of the MBA experience, but supplementing them with an interdisciplinary approach helps create a culture of creativity and adaptability.
Communication: a balance of Italian tradition and global practice
To understand what communication among students and faculty looks like at BBS, you also have to understand the cultural context and the Italian emphasis on relationship-building. Just like elsewhere in Italy, the communication at BBS (and the University of Bologna as a whole) is open-minded and familiar. Professors, many of whom are industry leaders or academic experts, are approachable and engaged with students not just on an academic level, but personally as well. Open dialogue and feedback are always encouraged and ultimately contribute to inclusive classroom discussions.
“Learning from industry leaders was a priceless experience, and BBS has an incredible faculty who are open to their students,” highlights Jennifer van Rensburg, Director Merchandising & VM at Bulgari, and Global MBA graduate in Design, Fashion and Luxury Goods at BBS.
The Italian style of communication also values storytelling, personal connection, and creativity. At the same time, the school pays due attention to global communication practices so that even after studying in Italy, professionals can go on to navigate and adapt to diverse environments.
Sustainability as a core value
Social responsibility and sustainability form another crucial pillar of Bologna Business School’s organizational culture. BBS emphasizes that sustainable business practices and ethical leadership should be integral to any modern MBA curriculum. According to the BBS official website itself: “We believe that ethics, responsibility and sustainability should shape both internal processes and the management education contents that the school offers, in order to support students incorporating these values in their managerial attitude and professional practice.”
Proof of their commitment is the Global MBA in Sustainability and Innovation at BBS. After graduating from this full-time program, the Class of 2023 went on to work in diverse sectors with a focus on green energy and sustainability, including Research, Food and Beverage, Retail, Construction, Energy, and more. The school further offers additional Master’s programs (in English or Italian) on topics related to green management, sustainability, and circular economy.
This focus on ethical business practices is especially relevant for students, regardless of where they are headed in their careers, but even more so for those who aspire to lead in corporate social responsibility.
Learning through collaboration
To be able to grow and succeed on their leadership journey, professionals need to know how to collaborate in different environments. Recognizing this collaborative aspect of MBA studies, Bologna Business School promotes a highly interactive learning experience where teamwork is essential. Class participants work together on multiple projects, each bearing various responsibilities. Such group activities develop students’ ability to work effectively in diverse teams and, just as crucially, they help them build strong interpersonal connections.
There is one more reason why collaboration is a main guiding principle at BBS – the school’s location in Bologna provides valuable access to Italy’s business ecosystem. Once they graduate, BBS students can explore employment opportunities in leading regional sectors such as automotive, fashion, and food.
The school also facilitates networking events with industry professionals, alumni, and faculty, giving students a chance to build valuable professional relationships.
Bologna Business School’s Global MBA programs offer a mix of local values and global outlook. The school’s organizational culture prepares students to thrive in business and to lead with cultural awareness. Professionals step out of the program with respect for cultural diversity and with the tools necessary for prioritizing innovation in business.
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