1

1.Name of Course

Cross-Cultural Studies

2.Course Code

BBDM2063

3.Name(s) of academic staff

Dr Teh Peng Hong

4.Rationale for the inclusion of the course in the programme

This course is introduced to enable students to acquire pertinent theoretical concepts, principles and practical knowledge to work in a cross cultural environment. In addition, this course enables students the opportunities to research and reflect on the cultural dimensions of business practices in diverse countries.

Objectives:

1. To develop students understanding of the concept of culture, crosscultural relation and cross cultural management.

2. To acquire skills and knowledge of cross-cultural communication and international business negotiation.

3. To develop an understanding of cross-cultural teams and cross cultural coordination in a multinational organisations.

5.Semester offered

Semester 5

6.Total Student Learning Time (SLT)

Total Student Learning Time (SLT)Face to FaceTotal Guided and Independent LearningTotal SLT

L=Lecture

T=Tutorial

P=PracticalO=OthersL

28T

21P

0O

4

67120

7.Credit Value

3

8.Prerequisite (if any)

Nil

9.Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are able:

1. Explain cross-cultural relations and management in a multinational organisation. (C4, A4, CTPS)

2. Discuss the importance of intercultural communication in a diverse work environment. (C4, A3, TS)

3. Analyse types of global strategies required for international businesses environments in an effort to entwine local and international human resource management, and intercultural competencies.(C5, A4, P4,CS)

10.

Transferable Skills

Skills and how they are developed and assessed, Project and practical experience and Internship

Transferable Skills

How they are developed

Assessment

Analytical and critical thinking skills

Developed through lectures, tutorials, coursework and case studies

Assessed through coursework and examination

Problem Solving Skills

Developed through lectures, tutorials, coursework and case studies

Assessed through coursework and examination

Teamwork and cooperation

Developed through tutorials, group coursework and presentation

Assessed through group based coursework and group presentation

Effective written and oral communication

Developed through tutorials, coursework and

Assessed through written coursework, coursework presentation and examination

11.Teaching-learning and assessment strategy

Teaching-learning Strategy

Lecture and tutorial which include group discussions, individual class participation and individual / group presentation etc.

Assessment

Coursework and examination

12.Synopsis

The study of cross cultural relations and management enables students to apply intercultural communication skills in a global workplace, to manage an organisations resources in a diverse and dynamic global environment, and to examine the theoretical concepts and practical contributions to the varied areas of cross-cultural management. It also enables students the opportunities to research and reflect on the varied cultural dimensions of business practices in cross cultural and diverse multinational organisations.

13.Mode of Delivery

Lecture and tutorial.

14.Assessment Methods and Types

Coursework (40%)

Individual assignment

Group Assignment

Examination (60%)

15.Mapping of the course to the Programme Aims

PA1, PA2,

16.Mapping of the course to the Programme Learning Outcomes

LO3, LO5, LO6

17.Content outline of the course and the SLT per topic

WeekTopicStudent Learning Time (SLT)

LTPOTotal Guided and Independent Learning

1Introduction to Cross Cultural Studies

Global business environment, global managers role

Introduction to culture and its effects on organisations

Skills of managers in managing culture, cultural variables

21.53

2Cultural Values Dimensions

Hofstedes, Traindiss, Halls and Project GLOBE cultural value dimensions. Developing cultural profiles and management styles around the world

21.53

3Cross-Cultural Communication

The communication process. Cultural noise in communication process. Cultural variables in communication process. Communication channels. Managing cross-cultural communication.

21.53

4Cross-Cultural Negotiation

The understanding of negotiation process and negotiation styles in relation to national cultural values. Environmental context of international negotiations.

Face-Negotiation Theory.

Managing conflict and negotiation.

Ethics in international negotiations.

21.53

5Culture Influences in Decision making

The influence of national and cultural variations in decision making.

Awareness of the errors in decision making across borders and cultures. Important of computer mediated communication in negotiation and decision making.

21.53

6Motivating Global Management Teams

Meaning of work across nations and cultures.

Applying cultural frameworks. Motivation in international and global corporations.

21.53

7Leadership for Global Management Teams

Global leaders role.

Leadership across cultures and borders and finding from Project GLOBE.

Non-western styles of leadership

21.53

8Multicultural Work Groups and Teams Characteristics and types of groups in organisation.

Variable that influences the process and performance of work groups.

Cultures influence on work groups

Cultures effect in different group structures and tasks

Global virtual teams

21.53

9Global Alliances and Culture

Reasons for going international, globalisation, regionisation. The influences of culture on strategic alliance choice. The types of strategic alliances, motivations and benefits, challenges and guidelines for successful alliances, cultural influences on alliances..21.53

10Organisational Structure and Control Systems

Evolution and change in MNC organisational structure. Cross-cultural typology of organisational structure and emergent structural form. Control systems for global operations, monitoring and reporting systems.

21.53

11International Human Resource Management 1

Staffing and development for global operations. Approaches, selection processes, problems with expatriation.

21.53

12International Human Resource Management 2

Training and development, cultural shock, sub-culture shock, training techniques. Training of host-country nationals.

21.53

13International Human Resource Management 3

Compensation schemes for expatriates. Compensating host-country nationals.

21.53

14Developing Global Management Cadre

Preparation, adaptation and repatriation process, global management teams. The roles of women in international management.

21.53

Assessment

Coursework

Final Exam

Total2

2

410

15

25

Total28210467

Total SLT120

Subject Credit3

18Main references supporting the course

1. Varner, I & Beamer L 2011, Intercultural communication in the global workplace, 5th edn, McGraw Hill International, New York.

2. Phatak AV, Bhagat RS & Kashlak RJ 2009, International management: Managing in a diverse and dynamic global environment, 2nd edn, McGraw Hill International, New York.3. Thomas DC 2008, Cross-Cultural Management, Essential Concepts, 2nd edn,Sage.Additional references supporting the course1. Deresky, H 2010, International management, managing across borders and cultures, 7th edn, Pearson Prentice Hall.

2. Luthans F & Doh J 2011, International management: Culture, strategy & behaviour, 8th edn, McGraw-Hill.

19.Other additional information

Nil