Communication and Cultural Sensitivity in International Business (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The content and the schedule of the course are agreed with the participating students at the beginning of the course.
Lectures&activities are held weekly and much of the activity and presentations is done by students.

Objective

After completing the study unit the student can:
- define the various theoretical frameworks on culture and cultural differences
- describe the challenges in managing and working in a multicultural environment
- interact and communicate with company representatives from different cultural backgrounds
- work in international business environment.

Content

Cultural frameworks, awareness and identity
Organizational and service culture
Intercultural communication skills
Communication with company representatives from different cultural backgrounds

Materials

Any relevant book on Cross-cultural Communication, International Business and Multicultural Management. There are several in the library.
Recommended: Lewis, Richard. 2006: Multiculturalism observed: Exploring identity.
+other books from Richard Lewis. Daniels&Radebaugh.International Business. Various version available.

Good examples of e-books available at TUAS library:
1) Cotton, Gayle. 2013. Say anything to anyone, anywhere : 5 keys to successful cross cultural communication.
2) Warren, Thomas L. 2017. Cross-cultural Communication: perspectives in theory and practice. Introduction and chapter 3.
3) Sigala, Marianna ; Christou, Evangelos. 2006. Global trends and challenges in services
( 4) Niemeier, Campbell and Dirven. 1998. The cultural context in business communication.)

Hofstede: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/product/compare-countries/

As well as all material given and distributed in class (mainly available also in ITS-platform).

Teaching methods

Group work and group presentations by students
Simulation games and activities by students
Opening intro and key notes by teachers

Exam schedules

No exam. Assessment is based on activity and completion of given assignments.

International connections

Innopedagogical approach through out the course.
Team learning
Intercultural team learning (if exchange students present)
Learning by doing (simulations, activities)

Student workload

The course is 81h of student work. The estimation of workload distribution:
Contact hours 10x2h (3x45 min in schedule), total of 20h.
Teamwork 10h
Reports, interviews and writing 30h
Preparation for lessons 20h

Further information

Exchange students learn from the Finnish students, and vice versa. All participating students engage actively in each class. Topics can include dress code, management styles and cultures, international job interviews, Do´s&Dont´s in cultural context etc. Students decide!