GLBM010 - International Business and Culture

Course Description

This course presents the opportunity to discuss the implications of globalization forces and intercultural leadership amid polarizing shifts in political and ideological perspectives. We will introduce intercultural theories, models and tools to develop intercultural competences for professional life in international business. Participants will be engaged in self-assessments, discussions, presentations and the examination of critical incidents/case studies to experience practical dilemmas presented by various intercultural scenarios. We will explore their own unconscious and conscious culturally-based behavioural norms, expectations and assumptions to consider the perspectives of others. Finally, participants will develop strategies and methods for intercultural development.

Course Outline

Global view: Assessment/discussion of geopolitical issues and the role of organizations Review models of country/cross-cultural profiles and critique level of analysis Organizational view: Integrate theories of group dynamics in intercultural development Recognize talking as a cultural practice and examine language barriers in business Review conflict and cultural communication styles: working through dilemmas and solving intercultural challenges Mergers and acquisitions case study: determine appropriate interventions for cultural change in organizations Individual view: Explain differences between competency models and change models of intercultural competence Uncover unique competencies based on bicultural experiences Diagnose global competencies in intercultural scenarios Explore priority values and unconscious bias