Communication and Cultural Sensitivity in International Business (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

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 Turku UAS library:

1) Paliwoda, Stanley, Turnbull .2013.Research in International Marketing. available as an e-book in FINNA.

2) Kim, Young Yun. 2001. Becoming intercultural : an integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation
3) Cotton, Gayle. 2013. Say anything to anyone, anywhere : 5 keys to successful cross cultural communication.
4) Warren, Thomas L. 2017. Cross-cultural Communication: perspectives in theory and practice. Introduction and chapter 3.
5) Sigala, Marianna ; Christou, Evangelos. 2006. Global trends and challenges in services
6) Niemeier, Campbell and Dirven. 1998. The cultural context in business communication.

7) Books on International Marketing or Global Marketing.
Hofstede: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/product/compare-countries/

Teaching methods

Key Lectures by teacher
Preparation by students before the class (flipped -learning)
Group work by students in class
Activities in class (learning by doing)

Exam schedules

There is no exam. Minimum participation of 50% of contact sessions.

Completion alternatives

There are no alternative ways for this course.
If you think you fulfill the criteria of the curriculum. please contact the teacher during January 2025.

Student workload

The course is 80h of student work. The estimation of workload distribution:
Contact hours 15x1,5h (2x45 min in schedule), total of 23h.
Two essays, peer reviews and a short report, Final reflection 37-42h
Preparation for lessons 15-20h

The report: Short report (3 pages text) on chosen culture and analysis according to chosen cultural theories (2)

Evaluation methods and criteria

Evaluation
Attendance 50% minimum to pass, less than 70% attendance affects the grade.
Course graded 1-5 as follows:
20% - 2 short, free form essays and their peer evaluation 1-3 points per essay, per evaluation 1-2 points (8 points = 5; 2 points = 1)
30% - Final reflection, graded 1 - 5
50% - A short report on a chosen country (no interview necessary), graded 1 - 5

Failed (0)

Less than 50% attendance on course sessions
Report not returned or not accepted level of work
Final reflection is missing, or not accepted.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Grade 1
The student has demonstrated limited knowledge and understanding of the main areas of the course. The student shows some difficulties in applying his/her knowledge and understanding of the course content in the assignments. The student demonstrates little ability to gather and interpret relevant data (rather gut feeling than theory or know-how) to inform judgments that include reflection about what is asked for the assignment. The student has difficulties in communicating his/her ideas in the reflection. The tasks have been completed, but they are incomplete or very limited and do not comply with the given instructions.
Report: Report reaches satisfactory level, but they are limited / narrow and lacking analytical thinking. Or the references are very limited. At least one cultural theory must be used in order to pass.

Grade 2 is covering some criteria of grade 3, but not enough to be a three.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Grade 3
The student has demonstrated good knowledge and understanding of the main areas of the course. The student shows s/he can apply his/her knowledge and understanding of the course content in the returned tasks and the reflection. The student demonstrates good ability to gather and interpret relevant data (theory and know-how) to inform judgments that include reflection about what is asked for the assignment. The student is able to communicate his/her ideas in the assignments in a logical and academic way.

Report: All the tasks are analytical, and well done. They represent high quality in terms of references, length and analytical thinking as well as connection presented aspects. It is clear that the books and articles related are read and it shows in the final report, with references, also connection to the real working life is clear and the student has reflected his / her own learning process analytically also in the self evaluation. At least one of the cultural theories must be used and connect it to the chosen country.


Grade 4 is covering some criteria of grade 5, but not enough to be a five.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Grade 5
The student has demonstrated very good knowledge and understanding of the main areas of the course. The student shows s/he can apply his/her knowledge and understanding of the course content in the workshops (activities) in a professional manner. The student demonstrates very good ability to gather and interpret relevant data (theory and know-how) to inform judgments that include reflection about what is asked for the assignment. The student is able to communicate clearly his/her ideas. The student is able to communicate his/her ideas in the assignments in a professional way.

References and theories are used in the report and it is clear that the student has an understanding of the theory. Writing is analytical and logical in content. A minimum of two (2) references for an excellent grade. Critical and well grounded review to peers. (Physical attendance more than 70%.)

Essays and peer evaluations are completed and result to 7 or 8 points.

Further information

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