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Intercultural Communication for Global Work (5 cr)

Code: 3011526-3002

General information


Enrollment

01.08.2019 - 12.09.2019

Timing

07.10.2019 - 31.12.2019

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

5 op

RDI portion

1 op

Mode of delivery

Distance learning

Unit

Engineering and Business

Campus

Location-independent

Teaching languages

  • English

Seats

15 - 45

Degree programmes

Teachers

  • Marjo Joshi
  • Pia Lindgren

Groups

  • PINBOS19

Objective

The student
- is aware of cultural identities and appreciates different cultural values and norms
- has a better understanding of how each culture perceives e.g. time and space, verbal and nonverbal communication, or approaches to teamwork
- has cultural competence to interact with people from different cultures
- knows theoretical frameworks on culture and can apply them to authentic situations
- is aware of varying practices in different business cultures
- is able to apply knowledge and skills in working and communicating with ease and confidence in intercultural situations

Content

- cultural frameworks
- cultural awareness and identity
- cultural briefing
- national cultures and cultural influences
- intercultural communication skills
- culture in teams, business cultures

Materials

Provided on course workspace for each study module

Teaching methods

Individual research and reflection
Interactive online meetings
Team discussions and sharing
Video lectures and reading materials
Individual Culture Project
Reflective Learning Diary

Exam schedules

No examinations. Student can re-attempt the course by submitting the Individual Culture Project or by completing other missing parts of the course within one month of the course end.

International connections

Interactive and collaborative team-based study
Work life oriented learning assignments and Culture Project
International digital working environment as an authentic learning hub
Co-teaching in sharing expert views
Task-based assessment

Completion alternatives

Student can complete the Individual Culture Project by utilising the materials on the course and implementing the cultural theories in an authentic case in the workplace. Student must present the outcomes of the research and study in the course learning environment in the required format to share expertise. Student must take part in communicating and meeting with team members in a chosen digital platform(s).
Accreditation of Prior Learning based on Competence (not transfer of credits):
Two weeks prior to course start, student submits a video and a written report showcasing expertise in the aforementioned course topics:
Cultural awareness, Cultural identity, Working with Cultures, Communicating with Cultures, Cultural Theories, Intercultural Teams, Culture in the media, Exploring cultures. If the submission fulfils the assessment criteria, student can attain the credits. If the submission does not meet the criteria, student joins the course.

Student workload

135 hours of student work divided into 10 weeks of study and 5 modules, on average 25 hours per module. Modules include a theoretical framework, practical application related to Individual Culture Project and a self-reflection. Face-to-face sessions: 2x 1hour All Group Online Meetings on Zoom, and 2x 1hour Study team online meetings on MS Teams.

Content scheduling

After the course, the student can:
-describe own cultural identity
-utilise cultural frameworks to understand cultural concepts
-adapt communication in culturally diverse contexts
-work as a member of a culturally diverse team
-utilise knowledge on business cultures in work-related situations
-execute a cultural project to showcase application of theories in a practical context
wk 1-2: Cultural Awareness and Cultural Identity
wk 3-4: Intercultural Teams
wk 5-6 :Communicating with Cultures
wk 7-8: Working with Cultures
wk 9-10: Exploring cultures through media and projects
Modules include theoretical frameworks, practical application related to Individual Culture Project and a self-reflection.

Further information

Students who take an active part in and successfully complete the course, are eligible to apply for the digital badge 'Global Communicator':
Through faculty-led student education, the badge earner has demonstrated the ability to communicate and work in international environments in English. In addition, the badge earner has achieved an understanding of cultural frameworks, communication methods and tools for online and on-site global work.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Individual Culture Project Report and Video Presentation that shows practical application of theoretical frameworks in an authentic context. (60%)
Participation in online meetings and live online discussions (20%)
Peer feedback, participation in written online discussions, sharing of own expertise. (10%)
Reflective Diary (10%)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Cultural Awareness: Student understands the concept of cultural identity and the importance of understanding other cultures. The student is able to describe his/her cultural identity.
Theoretical frameworks on culture: The student is able to identify main concepts from cultural frameworks.
Intercultural communication: The student can describe the importance of intercultural communication skills in social and business situations, and shows some ability to use them.
Working in international teams: The student understands the need for intercultural awareness and cross-cultural communication skills in international teams. The student participates in intercultural team work.
Business cultures: The student is able to describe the importance of understanding business cultures in different national contexts.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Cultural Awareness: The student is able to describe different ways of interpreting culture and cultural awareness, such as iceberg or culture onion. The student can analyse his/her own cultural identity in relation to the values, customs and practices of other cultures.
Theoretical frameworks on culture: The student is able to describe the frameworks and shows understanding of how they can be used in practice.
Intercultural communication: The student is able to describe the communication skills needed in intercultural situations and demonstrates ability to use them in practice.
Working in international teams: The student can describe challenges and benefits of working in and leading intercultural teams. The student is an active member of an intercultural team and demonstrates ability to communicate and function as a member of an international team.
Business cultures: The student can explain business practices of different cultures and is able to identify challenges relating to his/her own culture in doing business in another culture.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Cultural Awareness: The student is able to analyse how national and organizational cultures build cultural identity, and can demonstrate cultural sensitivity and appreciation of other cultures in intercultural encounters.
Theoretical frameworks on culture: The student is able to explain the concept and significance of the frameworks. In addition, the student is able to apply the frameworks in case and authentic situations.
Intercultural communication: The student is able to analyse breaks in communication due to cultural factors and can suggest ways of improving the communicative approach to the situation. The student shows ability to adapt and adjust his/her communication style in various intercultural situations.
Working in international teams: The student can apply different frameworks in order to enhance work in a culturally diverse team. The student is fully capable of working as part of an international team and is able to take into account the effect of cultures on teamwork and in leading a team.
Business cultures: The student is able to apply his/her knowledge of business cultures in authentic and case situations. The student is able to analyse and suggest approaches to intercultural business situations.