معرفی
Sandra Simas Graça is an Associate Professor of International Business and Marketing at Eckerd College, where she serves as Chair of the Collegium of Comparative Cultures. With expertise spanning cross-cultural business communications, sustainable marketing, and nonprofit marketing, she teaches courses including Principles of Marketing, Digital Marketing, International Marketing, and Marketing a New Global Venture (Portugal Study Abroad). Her research focuses on how cultural, institutional, and relational factors shape business-to-business and consumer behavior across global markets.
Dr. Graça earned her academic credentials from Western Michigan University and Nova Southeastern University:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Marketing and International Business, Nova Southeastern University (2008-2013)
- MBA in Marketing and International Business, Western Michigan University (1996-1998)
- BBA in Marketing and International Business, Western Michigan University (1990-1994)
Dr. Graça's research explores the intersection of culture, sustainability, and business relationships. She investigates how cross-cultural differences impact business-to-business communications, consumer behavior toward green products, and nonprofit donor engagement. Her work examines institutional effects on relationship quality across different governance environments, with particular focus on emerging markets including Brazil, China, and India. Recent research emphasizes sustainable marketing practices, green buying behavior, and the role of education in promoting environmentally conscious consumer decisions.
Analysis of Dr. Graça's recent publications reveals a clear progression toward sustainability-focused research. While maintaining her foundational work on cross-cultural business relationships and institutional theory, she has increasingly focused on green marketing, consumer behavior toward sustainable products, and nonprofit marketing strategies. Her work demonstrates methodological diversity, employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches across multiple countries to examine universal and culture-specific patterns in business and consumer behavior.
Dr. Graça has received several prestigious awards for her scholarly contributions:
- Best Paper Award 2022 - International Congress on Public and Nonprofit Marketing
- Highly Commended Emerald Literati Awards 2018
- Faculty Development Grant 2017 for research in China
- Award for Scholarship: Collegium of Comparative Studies 2016
- Toyota International Teacher Program 2005
Dr. Graça actively mentors students through international programs including the European Innovation Academy in Portugal, where Eckerd students have won awards for their entrepreneurial ventures. She has secured research funding including a Faculty Development Grant for China research (2017) and has served on editorial review boards for the Journal of International Management and Cross-Cultural and Strategic Management. Her teaching extends beyond traditional classroom settings through study abroad programs that immerse students in global business environments.
