Prof. Werner Soontiens

Adjunct Professor
Ph.D.

Email: werner.soontiens@nd.edu.au

  • Biography

    Prof Werner Soontiens was educated in Belgium and South Africa. He has over twenty five years of experience in tertiary education and completed a PhD in International Management and Economics. He started his academic career at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa (then Technikon Pretoria) in 1990 before migrating his family to Australia where he joined Curtin University in 2000. He served on faculty executive leadership teams for over a decade in both the Curtin Business School and the Faculty of Humanities before being appointed as Dean of the School of Business at the University of Notre Dame in July 2017. He was appointed on, and contributed to the development of higher education policies and governance as a member of Curtin's Academic Board and the TEQSA Panel of Experts, preceded by a term as an AUQA Auditor. His teaching and research pivot predominantly around international business and cross cultural management in the higher education environment.

    Werner has contributed to ANZAM (Academy of Management) as a Board member and currently serves on a number of not-for-profit and religious institution Boards.

    Personal interests include travel, sports, beer brewing, motorcycle riding and spending time with his 4 grandchildren.

  • Teaching areas

    Cross-cultural Management
    International Business
    International Economics

  • Research expertise and supervision

    Lead researcher:
    Swan Valley Innovation and Knowledge Sharing.
    Alternative pathways integration in higher education: Experiences of articulation students.
    Migrant Acculturation

    Research contributor to various research initiatives.

    Ph.D. Supervision: Supervisor to completion for 2 students, current supervisor for 1 student, active co-supervisor since 2008.

  • Book chapters

    Since 2005

    • Pedigo, K. and Soontiens W. 2013. Managing Quality Assurance in the Delivery of Business Education Internationally: An Australian Perspective. In Ogunmokun, G. O. and Gabbay, R. (eds) Marketing, Management and International Business: Contemporary Issues and Research in Selected Countries. Global Publishing House, Perth. pp211-222.
    • Soontiens W. 2012. Edited conference proceedings – 26th Australia and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) Conference themed ‘Managing for Volatility and Instability’. Promaco Conventions, Perth, Australia
    • Soontiens W. 2005. The Services Management Environment. In Nankervis A., (ed.) Managing Services. Cambridge University Press, Melbourne. pp35-68.
    • Soontiens W. 2005. Acknowledged Contributor In Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (ed).. Looking Beyond Tariffs: The role of Non-Tariff barriers in World Trade p.338 (ISBN: 9789264014602) (also available in French ISBN: 9789264014633)

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    Since 2005
    Referreed Journals
    • Soontiens, w., Kerr, R., Ang, G. and Scully, G. 2016. Stakeholder informed non-traditional student induction: a balanced approach, International Journal of Educational Management 30(4), pp 536-551 (ABDC B)
    • De Jager, J & Soontiens, W. 2015 Internationalisation of Higher Education: Service Quality in Higher Education in Selected Southern Hemisphere Countries, International Journal of Education Sciences, 9(2), pp 207-217. IJES-9-2-207-497-15-de-Jager-J-Tx[13].pdf
    • Butler, B. & Soontiens, W. 2015. Offshoring higher education services in strategic nets: A dynamic capabilities perspective. Journal of World Business, 50, 477-490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2014.08.001 (ABDC A)
    • Van Tonder, C.L. & Soontiens, W. 2014. Migrant Acculturation and the Workplace, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 143, pp 1041-1047 . DOI:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.550
    • Soontiens, W. & Van Tonder C.2014. Human Capital and Workplace Integration: A reflection of South African Migrants in Australia, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 143, pp 1031-1040 DOI:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.549
    • Van Tonder, C.L. & Soontiens, W. 2013. Migrants: First work encounters, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 82, 466 – 476. DOI:10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.06.294
    • Soontiens, W. & Pedigo. K. 2013. Transnational Education: An Australian Approach to Assuring Quality and Engaging Offshore Staff. Business Education and Accreditation 5(2), pp 41-54. (ABDC C)
    • De Jager, J.W. & Soontiens, W. 2010. Reputation and information drivers in student recruitment: Comparing South African, Singaporean and Malaysian tertiary education. African Journal of Business Management 4(13), pp 28-41. (SJR 0.03, ISI 1.51)
    • De Jager, J.W. & Soontiens, W. 2010. Marketing and Reputation in the Service Sector: Higher Education in South Africa and Singapore. International Journal of Information Systems in the Service Sector 2(3), pp 28-41. DOI: 10.4018/jisss.2010070103
    • De Jager, J. & Soontiens, W. 2009. Image and Expectations of South African and Selected Asian University Students. Southern African Journal of Marketing Research 6(4th Q). pp 26-33.
    • De Jager, J.W. & Soontiens, W. 2009. The image and academic expectations of South African and Malaysian university students. International Journal of Business Excellence 2(3/4), pp 285-300. (SJR 0.03; ABDC C)
    • Soontiens, W. & Lacroix, A. 2009. Personality traits of Franchisees – McDonalds restaurants in Australia. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 7(1), pp 239-246. (ABDC C)
    • Soontiens, W. & De Jager, J.W. 2008. South African values: A reflection on its ‘Western’ base. African Journal of Business Management 2(12), pp 222-229. (SJR 0.03)
    • Soontiens, W. 2007. Chinese Ethnicity and Values – a country cluster comparison. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management 14(4), pp 321-335. (SJR 0.043; GScit 14, ABDC B)
    • Soontiens, W. 2005. Western values in the African context – do they fit? Commercium 06(01), pp 61-72.

    Peer Reviewed Proceedings
    • Dayaram, K., Soontiens, W., Burgess, J, & Grimstad, S. 2017. Across Time: A Wine Cluster’s Evolution and Pathways to Innovation. Edited proceedings of the European Academy of Management (EURAM) Conference. Glasgow, Scotland. June 21-24.
    • Soontiens, W., Do, K. and Mancini, F. 2016. Safe Failing: Cross Discipline Simulation across Built Environment disciplines. Learning for Change and Innovation World Congress (GCWAL & ALARA). Adelaide, Australia. November 07-09
    • Dayaram, K., Soontiens, W., Ayentimi D., Bahtic, M., Larkin, R., Grimstad, S. and Burgess, J. 2016 Proximity and Knowledge Sharing in a Wine Tourism Cluster. Edited Conference Proceedings of the 19th Irish Academy of Management (AIM) Conference. Dublin, Ireland. August 31-September 02.
    • Soontiens, W. and Anthony, M. 2015. Promoting Police Women: A conceptual framework. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) Conference. Queenstown, New Zealand. December 02-04.
    • Soontiens, W., Baird, C. and Pedigo, K. 2013. Structuring informal orientation of branch campus university academics – creating tools and opportunities to link semi-formal induction to ad-hoc peer guidance. 2nd Higher Education Teaching and Learning Conference, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. December 09-10.
    • Lim, H. and Soontiens, W. 2013. Transnational Education and Theories of the Firm: Conceptual considerations for Australia. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) Conference. Hobart, Australia. December 04-06.
    • Soontiens, W. and van Tonder, C. 2013. Human Capital and Workplace Integration: A Reflection of South African Migrants in Australia. Global Conference on Business, Economics, Management and Tourism. Barcelona, Spain. 26-28 October.
    • van Tonder, C and Soontiens, W. 2013. Migrant Acculturation and the Workplace. Global Conference on Business, Economics, Management and Tourism. Barcelona, Spain. 26-28 October.
    • Ladyshewsky, R & Soontiens, W. 2013. Managing the Online Learning Revolution in an MBA Course: Quality Assurance Through Strategic Development. Maastricht School of Management 3rd Annual Research Conference: Revolutions in Education: New Opportunities for Development?. Maastricht, The Netherlands. 06 September.
    • Van Tonder, C., Soontiens, W. and Groenewald, J. 2013. The workplace as acculturation focus. Paper presented at the 16th Congress of the European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology. Munster, Germany. 22-25 May.
    • Soontiens, W. and Van Tonder, C. 2012 Two steps back, Three Steps Froward: The Story of South African Migrants Working in Australia. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) Conference. Perth, Australia. December 05-07.
    • Soontiens, W., Weber, P and Geneste, L. 2012. Owner Occupier Drivers of Success in Small Business: Comparing Soft Drivers with Hard Work. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) Conference. Perth, Australia. December 05-07.
    • Van Tonder C. and Soontiens, W. 2012. Migrants: First work encounters. Edited Conference Proceedings of the World Conference on Psychology and Sociology. Antalya, Turkey. November 28 – December 01.
    • Van Tonder, C.L., Soontiens, W. and Groenewald, J.P. 2012. Migrant adaptation and assimilation of host country culture: Initial observations about the South African cohort. Paper presented at the 30th International Congress of Psychology, Cape Town, South Africa 23-27 July.
    • Soontiens, W. 2012. Value Systematic and Applications: A Comparative Study of Chinese Youth in Kunming and the Youth in Hong Kong. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Academy of World Business Marketing and Management Development (AWBMAMD) Conference. Budapest, Hungary. July 16 – 19
    • Pedigo, K. and Soontiens, W. 2012. A Systematic Approach to Engagement and Quality Assurance in Transnational Education: An Australian University Case Study. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Academy of World Business Marketing and Management Development (AWBMAMD) Conference. Budapest, Hungary. July 16 – 19
    • Soontiens, W. 2011 ‘Chinese’ Values in Singapore and Malaysia: an Outsider Perspective. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Sino-Australia International Conference on Accounting and Finance. Zhejiang, China. November 26 – 27.
    • Soontiens, W. and Lacroix, A.. 2010 Location, location, location – the relevancy to franchisee performance. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Academy of World Business Marketing and Management Development (AWBMAMD) Conference. Oulu, Finland. July 12 – 15
    • Soontiens, W. and Frenking, T. 2010 Australian mining performance during the Global Financial Crisis: The case of share value and production for Rio Tinto. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Academy of World Business Marketing and Management Development (AWBMAMD) Conference. Oulu, Finland. July 12 – 15.
    • Ang, G., Doray, M., Kerr, R., Scully, G. and Soontiens, W. 2010. Chinese Undergraduate Student Induction Program: An Australian University Approach. Higher Education Conference. Perth, Australia,
    • Soontiens, W. and Yi, L. 2009. A Framework of Foreign Investment in China: A Western Australian Perspective. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Curtin International Business Conference – Business Sustainability in the Era of Globalisation’. Miri, Malaysia. December 10-12.
    • Soontiens, W. and De Jager, J.W. 2009. Reputation Considerations in Higher Education Choices: A case of Australian Education in Malaysia and Singapore. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Curtin International Business Conference – Business Sustainability in the Era of Globalisation’. Miri, Malaysia. December 10-12.
    • De Jager, J.W. and Soontiens, W. 2009. Image and academic expectations of South African and selected Asian university students. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Global Business and Technology Association International Conference. Prague, Czech Republic. July 7-11.
    • Soontiens, W. and Dickie, C. 2009. Regionalisation potential for HRM in South East Asia. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Society for Global Business and Economic Development International Conference. Bratislava, Slovak Republic. 27-30 May.
    • De Jager, J. and Soontiens, W. 2009. Marketing and reputation considerations when choosing an institution of higher education: the case of South Africa versus Singapore. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Society for Global Business and Economic Development International Conference. Bratislava, Slovak Republic. 27-30 May.
    • Soontiens, W. and Dickie, C. 2008. Reflections on Western Values in South Africa: Contextualising Local Beliefs. Edited Conference Proceedings of the International Society of Business, Economics and Ethics Conference. Cape Town, South Africa. 15-18 July.
    • Soontiens, W. and De Jager, J.W. 2008. Academic and Image Aspects in International Education: Measuring Service Delivery in a Malaysian Case. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Academy of World Business, Marketing and Management Conference. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. 14 - 18 July.
    • Soontiens, W. and Lacroix, A. 2008. Personality Traits and Franchisee Performance – A Conceptual Link. Edited Conference Proceedings – Academy of World Business, Marketing and Management Conference. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. 14 - 18 July.
    • Soontiens, W. and De Jager, J.W. 2008. Aspects of Service Delivery in International Tertiary Education: A Malaysian Case. Edited Symposium Proceedings – Joint School of Management, Curtin University and Financial Academy of the Russian Government. Moscow, Russia. 30 June – 02 July.
    • De Jager, J.W. and Soontiens, W. 2008. Internationalisation Expectation of Entry-Level and Senior University Students – A Malaysian Perspective. Edited Conference proceedings of the International Academy of African Business and Development. Gainesville, Florida, USA. 20-24 May.
    • Soontiens, W. and De Jager, J.W. 2007. Academic and Non-Academic Internationalisation of Education: Comparing Service Delivery in Selected Emerging Economies. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Asia Pacific Marketing Conference. Kuching, Malaysia. 02-03 November.
    • Tait, M., De Jager, J.W. and Soontiens, W. 2007. Image and Expectations of Entry-level and Senior University Students – A South African Perspective. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Strategic Developments in Services Marketing Conference. Chios, Greece. 27-29 September.
    • De Jager, J.W., Soontiens, W. and Du Toit, A.T. 2007. Assessing Program and Image Issues in Higher Education: A South Africa – United States Perspective. Edited Conference proceedings of the International Management Development Association World Business Congress. Maastricht, The Netherlands. 04-08 July.
    • Soontiens, W. 2007. Managing Commercial Pressures – A pilot Study of Western Australian Wine Growers. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Global Business and Technology Association International Conference. Taipei, Taiwan. 03-07 July.
    • Soontiens, W. and De Jager, J.W. 2007. The Importance of Internationalisation in Tertiary Education – A South African – Malaysian Comparison. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Global Business and Technology Association International Conference. Taipei, Taiwan. 03-07 July.
    • Soontiens, W. 2006. Chinese Values: A Comparison of Southeast Asian Countires. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Academy of World Business, Marketing and Management Conference. Paris, France. 10-13 July.
    • Soontiens, W. 2006. A Reflection on Western Values in the South African Context. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Academy of World Business, Marketing and Management Conference. Paris, France. 10-13 July.
    • Soontiens, W. 2005. Teaching ‘the same’ students in ‘different’ locations. Edited Conference Proceedings of the Australian International Education Conference. Goldcoast, Australia. 12-14 September.
    • Soontiens, W. and Mc Mullen, I. 2005. Cross cultural company acquisitions: A case of ‘us versus them’? Edited Conference Proceedings: International Conference on Global Business and Economic Development. Seoul, South Korea. 25-28 May.
    • Soontiens, W and Schulz, P. 2005. Internationalising in a remote location: Why German companies settle in Perth and Westerns Australia. Edited Conference Proceedings: International Conference on Global Business and Economic Development. Seoul, South Korea. 25-28 May.

  • Conference papers

    Since 2005
    • Soontiens, W., Kerr, R., Ang, G. and Scully, G. 2014. Duty of care in non-traditional induction development: A continuous improvement. ANZSSA Conference – Perth, September 19
    • Butler, B and Soontiens, W. 2012. Linking Dynamic capabilities to strategic offshoring: the case of a net in international education provision. Edited Conference Proceedings of the International Marketing and Purchasing group in Asia. Goa, India. December 08-12.
    • Van Tonder, C.L., Soontiens, W. and Groenewald, J.P. 2012. Migrant adaptation and assimilation of host country culture: Initial observations about the South African cohort. Paper presented at the 30th International Congress of Psychology, Cape Town, South Africa 23-27 July.
    • Scully, G., Ang, G, Kerr, R. and Soontiens, W. 2011 Using Student Feedback to Inform Continuous Improvement of an Articulation Academic Induction Program – a narrative of the CBS story. The Sino-Australia International Conference on Accounting and Finance, held from 26 to 27 November in Zhejiang, China.
    • Pedigo, K. and Soontiens, W. 2011. Quality assurance, staff development and international campus engagement: how one Australian university bridged the gap? The Observatory on borderless higher education Global Forum, held from 26 to 27 May in Vancouver Canada.
    • De Jager, J. & Soontiens, W. 2009. Comparing Marketing and Reputation aspects of Student Recruitment: International Education in Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa. 3rd Asia Pacific Marketing Conference –Joining Forces, Moving Ahead held from 9 to 11 December in Kuching, Malaysia.
    • Dickie, C. & Soontiens, W. 2007. Configuring Chinese Ethnicity and Values: Regional Potential in South-East Asia. 12th Cross Cultural Research Conference held from 12 to 15 December in Hawaii, United States of America.

  • Professional affiliations

    ANZAM Member (former Board member 2012-2013)

  • Community engagement

    Board Member:
    Churches of Christ WA Building Extension Mutual Fund - since March 2014
    Churches of Christ WA - since September 2016
    Sheridan College - January 2017 to June 2017

  • Awards

    Since 2005

    • 2013: Curtin Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award (Programs that Enhance Student Learning).
    • 2012: Curtin Business School Teaching and Learning Award for Initiatives that Support Student Learning (Chinese Articulation Induction program 2009-2012).
    • 2008: Listed in top 50 Curtin authors for downloads via E-space.

  • Other

    Since 2005
    Invited Appearances
    • Soontiens, W. (and Brunetto, Y.) 2013. Making a contribution to theory. ANZAM Doctoral Forum held at University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay campus; 02-03 December.
    • Soontiens, W. 2013. Cultural values and sustainability: a Chinese ethnic perspective. SMOG Research Forum held at the University of Bologna, Italy; 24 October.
    • Soontiens, W. (and Chapman, R.) 2012. Managing your supervisor. ANZAM Doctoral Forum held at Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley campus; 03-04 December.
    • Soontiens, W. 2009. International Education, Where and Why: a student perspective. Guest seminar at the 2009 IDP Australian Education event in Singapore; 24 and 25 October.
    • Soontiens. W. 2008. Australia in the APEC region: Regional engagement. Guest Speaker at AIESEC Western Australia State Conference, Perth, Australia; 04 April.
    • Soontiens, W. 2007. The Role of Organisational Culture in Organisational Transformation: Lessons from Australia. Keynote address to the International Conference on Business Management held from 07 to 10 June at Yu Da University, Taiwan.
    • Soontiens. W. 2007. Trade interaction: Australia APEC engagement. Guest Speaker at Curtin AIESEC forum, Perth, Australia; 07 March.
    • Soontiens. W. 2006. A comparison of value dimensions: Malaysian Chinese and other Chinese. Research Seminar presentation held at Metropolitan College, Subang Jaya, Malaysia; 20 September.
    • Soontiens. W. 2005. Internationalisation in Southeast Asia: Lessons for Africa. Invitation lecture to the Tshwane University of Technology 2005 MBA students and faculty, Pretoria, South Africa; 22 and 27 October.
    External Research Funding
    • $ 100,000 as part funding of $ 600.000 EU-Australian consortium funding (2011-2013) for the development of student exchange (6 outbound, 6 inbound) and course exposure in Sustainability Management (6 institutions). Joint Curtin University coordinator.
    • $ 40,000 Project leader (2005-2007) – World Bank Project 7137403 – Comparative Evaluation of E-Government Procurement costs and progress across 15 countries. Joint World Bank, Asian Development Bank and American Bank of Research and Development (total value US $ 90.000). Curtin University initiator and lead researcher.