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BUS470 CROSS-CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

Course Objectives

This course aims to: 

• Develop greater awareness of the changing global environment and understanding of the implications for international business and management;
• Provide conceptual frameworks for systematically understanding the cross-cultural contexts of international business, and theoretical concepts relating to culture, cultural synergies and differences;
• Enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities required to work and manage across cultures;
• Enhance students’ understanding of workforce diversity and develop competence in intercultural communication and cross-cultural interactions;
• Provide opportunities to apply the knowledge and understanding gained through experiential and problem-based learning;
• Encourage students to reflect on their own cultural competence and areas for improved performance in the workplace;
• Link with related areas of study and courses that comprise the International Business specialisation and beyond, to encourage interdisciplinary learning and facilitate the acquisition of broadly based knowledge about global issues relevant to International Business.

• Define the stages and elements of the negotiation process
• Develop the skills and techniques of a successful negotiator
• Identify optimal win-win solutions in negotiations and make profitable deals
• Differentiate negotiation styles and mental models, analyze their own and their partner’s behavior in negotiations

Course Content

The interdependence of economies, political systems, and cultures has created a world of organizations that is no longer limited by national boundaries. Society and organizations alike have become microcosms of human diversity reflecting demographic, social, psychological and cultural differences. Increasingly managers interact with individuals and groups of different national origin and cultural backgrounds - whether in their own domestic corporations, as members of international organizations, or when working in foreign environments. This course is an introduction to the unique challenges faced by persons attempting to enter, interpret, understand, and above all function effectively in foreign environments with the goal of managing organizations and people having diverse notions of time, space, linguistic structures and work-related values and practices. There is a thematic focus on the “Big Emerging Market” countries, i.e. Argentina,Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• Understanding of the changing global business environment, emerging business and cross cultural issues, and implications for management.
• Critically analyse cultural differences, conduct comparative analyses and consider the impact on global business organisations; apply problem solving strategies to cross cultural issues and present informed arguments in support of culturally sensitive and socially responsible behaviour in business.
• Work cohesively in a cross-cultural team and demonstrate understanding of problem solving strategies in diverse teams.            
• Present a range of cultural arguments concerning the need for corporate and social responsibility and ethical behaviour in business, and be able to incorporate the UN Sustainable Goals in local and global business contexts.           
• Demonstrate understanding of culture and cultural differences in the workplace, identify the desirable competencies for an effective global manager, demonstrate cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence in business and the workplace.
• Understand differences in cross cultural leadership styles and adaptability to cultural contexts. Identify leadership characteristics required to manage culture-based challenges in international business (political, social, economic, legal and technological).         
• Demonstrate confidence in oral communication and discussion of issues relating to culture and management, present ideas in a succinct and clear manner, and engage in culturally sensitive communication.

• Describe the actions taken on different stages of negotiations; appreciate and explain the importance of pre-negotiation and post-negotiation phases
• Formulate and apply the instruments of negotiation strategy and tactics
• Explain the functions of the best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA); recognize and use BATNA in negotiations
• Distinguish positions from interests in negotiations; discover interests of the other side in negotiations; create interest maps•
• Describe negotiation styles indifferent cultures; adjust negotiation tactics to cultural differences

Program Outcomes Matrix

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution