Installing and Consolidating Work-Team Values: The Effects of a Multicultural Outdoor Experiential Program

Abstract

The work-group values of seventy subjects, regularly enrolled in the University of Denver’s MBA program, were assessed both before and after a required four-day Outward Bound experience. Approximately one-third were international students (not US citizens). Differences are found between the values of US and Non-US respondents; between respondents before and after training; and between US and Non-US respondents. After training an increase is found in the total group’s estimate of the importance of trust; decreases are found in the group’s estimates of the importance (1) of workgroup design, and (2) of a team member’s “doing whatever is needed.” Differences in value profiles which existed between US and Non-US students prior to outdoor training were not present after the outdoor experience. Outdoor Experiential Training results in both individual change and group agreement.