Learning outcomes / skills
This module is intended to develop students’ cross-cultural effectiveness in the contexts of international business and diversity with a focus on leadership, teamwork and communication. After successful completion of this course, students will have a thorough understanding of the implications of culture on business and communication in and beyond the physical and digital workspace to foster synergies for competitive advantage. They will have a critical understanding of established cross-cultural management theories and their limitations for appropriate application in the business world. Throughout this module, students are actively encouraged to develop their own reasoning and problem-solving skills to address contemporary and future challenges, opportunities and responsibilities with informed analysis and innovation.

Professional competence
After successful completion of this module, students will have:
•    in-depth understanding of the impact of culture, particularly in the fields of business communication and leadership
•    in-depth understanding of the role of culture in technology adoption and electronically-mediated communication
•    critical understanding of leading models in cross-cultural management and communication
•    insight into how to work with, build and manage cross-cultural teams (real and virtual)
•    the skills to prepare for and foster cross-cultural business relationships
•    the knowledge to share and lead on cross-cultural interaction within organisations

Technical competence
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
•    evaluate and continually develop their own cross-cultural communication skills
•    anticipate and address the cultural impact on business behaviours, processes and values
•    evaluate, compare and present cross-cultural business models and approaches in English in academic and professional contexts
•    independently research and further develop their knowledge of current trends in cross-cultural management for application in individual business situations

Personal competence
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
•    reflect on and contribute to international and cross-cultural dialogue and co-operation in and beyond the business world
•    evaluate and develop their own negotiation and communication skills specifically
•    understand, analyse and respond effectively to different communication styles

Social competence
After successful completion of this module, students will have the resources to:
•    interact appropriately and effectively in culturally diverse environments in and beyond the workspace
•    communicate appropriately in international academic and business settings
•    identify and implement strategies to develop synergies and co-operation
•    share their knowledge and experience to foster effective cross-cultural interaction

Contents
•    Globalization and localization
•    Culture: definitions and impact on business
•    Cross-cultural management and leadership: theory, research and practice
•    Cross-cultural business communication
•    Cross-cultural marketing and digital media

Methods of Teaching and Learning
•    Interactive seminar
The module seeks to develop team and communication skills in addition to continual reflection throughout the semester. The module is structured to synergise independent critical thought, skilled and targeted application of acquired skills and teamwork.
•    Written and research assignments
Students are expected to complete readings and tasks independently as study assignments and to contribute well-prepared findings and evaluations in class.
•    Presentations in small groups
•    Independent study and research
•    Case studies
•    Expert interviews
•    Surveys
•    Constructive discussion and peer review

•    Browaeys, M. & Price, R. (2015) Understanding Cross-Cultural Management. 3rd ed. Harlow: Pearson.
•    Comfort, Jeremy and Franklin, Peter (2014) The Mindful International Manager. London: Kogan Page.
•    Gannon, Martin, J. and Pillai, Rajnandini (2016) Understanding global cultures: Metaphorical journeys through 34 nations, clusters of nations, continents, & diversity. 6th ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
•    Hall, Edward, T and Hall, Mildred, Reed (1989) Beyond Culture. 2nd. Ed. New York: Anchor Books.
•    Hall, Eduard (1990) The Silent Language. New York: Anchor Books.
•    Katz, Lothar (2017) Negotiating International Business. 7th ed. North Charleston: Create Space.
•    Lewis, Richard (2012) When Teams Collide: Managing the International Team Successfully. London: Brealey.
•    Livermore, David. (2015) Leading with Cultural Intelligence, The Real Secret to Success. 2nd edn. New York: Amacon.
•    Mooij, Marieke de (2019) Global Marketing and Advertising: Understanding Cultural Paradoxes. 5th. ed. London: Sage.   
•    Trompenaars, Alfons, und Hampden-Turner, Charles (2012) Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Cultural Diversity in Global Business. 3rd edn. New York: McGraw-Hill.
•    Western, Simon and Garcia, Eric-Jean (2018) Global Leadership Perspectives: Insights and Analysis. London: Sage.

Further reading and resources will be provided at the beginning of the course.