Intercultural Communication in Business Contexts (5 cr)

Objective

The student becomes more aware of his or her own cultural distinctiveness, as well as that of others, and is more sensitive to and empathetic toward the needs of distinct others. Insights and skills are developed that will help to facilitate the development of intercultural communication competence.

Content

Globalisation processes, transnational commerce and high levels of professional mobility have served to increase cultural diversity in the workplace, thus requiring managers to become more aware of and sensitive to the role that culture plays in international business. Because most cultural assumptions reside in the unconscious mind, the content and approach of this course is designed to:
1. Increase one's understanding of the role of culture and its effects on relationships with distinctive others, with an emphasis on culture's impact on communication processes and business practices.
2. To critically examine theoretical frameworks which are employed in order to study culture, including both generalised and particularistic perspectives as well as individual and shared values, and to increase one's understanding of culturally-based communication styles and semiotic codes.
3. To develop critical thinking skills in the study of culture, particularly regarding the use of the nation as a unit of analysis as contrasted with more individualistic perspectives.
4. To help facilitate the development of intercultural competences in inter- and multicultural business contexts.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is assessed based on 1) attendance and continuous demonstration of skills, 2) effective participation in a group-work project, and 3) An individual self-reflection of the student’s experiences in the course.

Qualifications

None