Eclectic Paradigm

Yesterday, in my lecture to my Vietnamese International Business students, I explained economist John Dunning’s “eclectic paradigm” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclectic_paradigm).

To define this concept, I first had to define “eclectic” and “paradigm” in everyday terms, so that the more complex theory would be memorable. For the lecture, I used my very eclectic iTunes music collection as an example. My kids will know what I mean, and probably would replace “eclectic” with “weird”.

The photo here shows the results of my eclectic snack shopping journey this evening in Hồ Chí Minh City (Sài Gòn), Việt Nam. I wish I had this photo for the lecture yesterday. Photo contents: Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate and Coca-Cola Light form the USA, Garlic Peanuts from Việt Nam, and the big prize, Crispy Seaweed from Thailand.
 

Image There is a reason I “needed” this mix of comfort foods. I injured myself today, and I won’t bother anyone with the details, except to say that I needed to be stitched up (sutured). This required a trip to a small Vietnamese hospital, which was actually a very satisfying experience. I called ahead and spoke to an American receptionist to explain that I was on my way. When I arrived, they knew my name and took me immediately to an examination room. Within 20 minutes, I was in a surgeon’s room, and a few minutes later, he was sewing.

The best part of this little adventure is that my surgeon is Argentinian, married to a British woman, has lived for several years in France, and now lives and works in Việt Nam. I can confirm that he speaks fluent Spanish, French, and English. I didn’t think to ask if he also speaks Vietnamese. It was worth the journey to the hospital to have a chance to talk with the doctor.

As I’ve written this, I’ve made a pretty big dent in the Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate. Of course, drinking the Coca-Cola Light counterbalances the calories in the chocolate.
Sponsors