BSAD
560
INTERCULTURAL BUSINESS RELATIONS
(Trinidad, 12-26
October 2008)
| Instructor: Dr Charles Tidwell | Phone: (269) 471 - 6160 | E-Mail: tidwell@andrews.edu |
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Office:
211 Administration
Andrews University Berrien Springs, MI 49104 |
Fax:
(269) 471 - 6246
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Web:
http://www.andrews.edu/~tidwell
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Class Times Sun, Oct 12: 9 am - 5 pm Wed - Thurs, Oct 13-16: 6 pm - 9:30 pm Sun, Oct 19: 9 am - 5 pm Mon - Thurs, Aug 20-23: 6 pm - 9:30 pm Sun, Oct 26: 9 am - 5 pm Sun, Nov 2: 9 am - 11 am (final exam) |
Links
Class Notes
Cases
Presentation
Schedule
Study Guide
Note:Class Notes and Study Guide
links
will be available later.
| Globalization and the increasing ethnic and cultural diversity in the workplace require culturally-aware managers in both domestic and international markets. This course focuses on cross-cultural communication theories and skills which may be utilized to improve business relations within an intercultural context. |
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| Moran, R. T., Harris, P. R., & Moran, S. V. (2007).
Managing cultural differences:
Global
leadership strategies for the twenty-first century. 7th ed. Elsevier [Butterworth -Heinemann]. ISBN-10: 0-7506-8247-7. |
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| 1. Two-Person Group Presentation --
Country Study Assume your employer is planning a business trip to
________. Prepare a country study giving demographics, key
cultural traits, pertinent business information, and a brief reading
list. Present this in three modes:
A. An eight minute (8) oral presentation (to be scheduled early in the second week of week of classes), B. A full written report (maximum of 8 pages) to be submitted to the instructor, and, C. A one-page “brochure” which is an executive summary (as a class handout). Stipulation: Choose a different country from any of the countries you plan to use for your research paper as noted below. In addition, you may not report on a country previously presented by another group. Sign up for this as soon as possible. Notify the instructor of your preferred choice by e-mail and, if possible, the presentation schedule will be posted on the course web site. Note: During the oral presentation, the instructor will pay close attention to "time limitations" of this assignment. There will be significant penalties for exceeding the time limit by more than 1 minute. Your group will be stopped at the 10 minute mark regardless of where you are in your presentation. 2. Large Group Presentation -- Case Study Students will divide into groups of 7 or 8 (there will
be a maximum total of six groups). Each group will prepare and submit a
detailed written analysis of one case study as assigned. Assignment of
cases will be done on a first-come basis. As soon as a group has
formed, the group needs to notify the instructor and a case will be
"assigned" from the list of those still available. Each case study
analysis will also be presented orally to the class (20 minute
presentation). If a powerpoint is used, it needs to also be submitted
as an appendix to the written presentation. Presentations will be
scheduled during the latter part of the second week of classes. Each
presentation will be followed by a brief question and answer period in
which all class members are expected to critique the presentation.
All class members are expected to read each case prior to its class presentation. To promote prior reading by the entire class, each class member will submit a two paragraph summation (one page total) of each case consisting of 1) a very brief summary of the case; and 2) an identification of the essential issues in the case with a particular focus on cultural issues. These summations are due at the start of the class period when the group presentation is scheduled. No late submissions accepted since these readings can be done in advance. Basic guidelines for case study analysis are given below. 3. Collaborative Research Paper Because group writing is common in both the workplace
and in academic scholarship, this assignment will give you the
opportunity to develop your research skills and to work with two other
classmates in a developing a collaborative research paper. There
will be a single grade for the overall research paper shared equally by
all three. However, there will be a individual assessment of the
group experience. In the event that one partner does not take an
fair share of the work assignments, point may be deducted accordingly.
Thus, you will need to choose two other class mates (at least one of who shares your culture) to be your research paper partners and jointly submit a joint research paper focusing on developing a detailed and researched understanding of cultural traits and issues. In addition, as a small research / writing group, you will need to “design” a framework to use in your cultural analysis using the concepts suggested by Hofstede, Hall, Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, or Schwartz (or a combination of these concepts). The overall structure of the paper should be: A. Part 1: Description and analysis of your group’s majority culture (cultural pattern and analysis); B. Part 2: Description and analysis of another culture (cultural pattern and analysis); C. Part 3: Identify, describe, and discuss the most significant cultural pattern(s) which would influence communication within a business setting between your culture and the other chosen culture. Suggest strategies to overcome potential barriers to successful business relations and to enhance communication. Length: Total paper length should be approximately 15 pages of text. In addition, you will also need to provide a standard title page, an outline (optional), end notes (as needed), and a “works cited” page. Required Style: Follow the APA format both for layout and documentation. Points will be deducted for those who do not follow this rigorously. Submission: The research paper should be submitted electronically to tidwell@andrews.edu as an e-mail attachment (either MS Word or Corel Wordperfect). If you are unable to do this, please discuss alternative methods with the instructor before the end of the lecture sessions. The research paper will be submitted in two sections to allow for comments and suggestions for revision from the instructor as part of the writing process. You will be expected to revise the first submission before submitted the final work. The first submitted section should be Part 1 and 2 as noted above. This first submission should also include a title page and “works cited” page. The final paper must include all three parts. 4. Final Exam There will be an essay / short answer style final exam
covering the major topics discussed and presented in class (and as
found in Moran, Harris and Moran). A study guide has been
prepared as a general review aid.
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| 1. Grading Grades will be based on a percentage of points possible as follows:
Grading Scale
Borderline grades will be adjusted on the basis of attendance, promptness, enthusiasm, and participation. 2. Late Work Late
work will not be accepted except for stringently reviewed contingencies
such as long-term illness.
3. Plagiarism / Academic Dishonesty / Research Style All
work submitted must a student's own work. Research format is expected
to follow standard documentation APA guidelines. University policies on
academic honesty as explained in the section, "Academic Integrity" in
2008-2009 Andrews University Bulletin, p. 28 will apply. The Bulletin
is available on-line at:
http://www.andrews.edu/academics/bulletin/2008-2009/. See
Section: "General Academic Information.".
4. Attendance By
policy, the instructor expects regular class attendance. Absences
in excess of 10% may result in a failing grade. See "Class
Attendance" and "Class Absences" in 2008-2009 Andrews University
Bulletin, pp. 27-28.
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| Sunday, October 12 Topics: Developing a Global Perspective; Globalization Issues; Communication and Culture Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapters 1, 7; Case Study: "Banking on Diversity" Video: Cross-Cultural Understanding Due: Submit a 1 page analysis of "Banking on Diversity" Monday, October 13 Topics: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 2 Video: Managing the Overseas Assignment Tuesday, October 14 Topics: Understanding Beliefs, Values and Norms; Understanding American Values and Traits Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 5 (note Exhibit 5.1, pp 153 - 155), & Chapter 12, (note pp 351-54, 366-369). Video: Doing Business in Chile Wednesday, October 15 Topic: Cultural Taxonomies (Kluckhohn, Hall, Hofstede, Bond) Review: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 1, esp pp 17 - 22 Thursday, October 16 Topic: Cultural Taxonomies (Kluckhohn, Hall, Hofstede, Bond) Sunday, October 19 Due: Country Guide Presentations as scheduled Topic: Global Negotiations Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 3 Video: Moscow on the Hudson Monday, October 20 Topic: Organizational Cultures Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 4 Tuesday, October 21 Topic: Cross-Cultural Synergy Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 5, 9, 13, esp pp. 440-451 Video: The Colonel Comes to Japan Wednesday, October 22 Topic: Relocation Issues Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 10 Thursday, October 23 Topic: Gender and Diversity Issues; Business Protocol Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 6 Sunday, October 26 Due: Case Study Presentations as scheduled Topics: Global Performance Issues; Ethical Issues in Intercultural Business Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 8 Video: Gung Ho Sunday, November 2 Final Examination: 9 - 11 am Sunday, November 9 *Due: Research Paper, Part I & 2 (submit electronically) Sunday, November 30 *Due: Full Research Paper (submit electronically) *These assignments are due NO LATER than midnight of the day indicated. This will be determined by the time it is received in the instructor’s e-mail box. |
| Cases are written description of actual events,
situations, and problems which confront decision makers in an
organization. While individuals and companies may be presented
"anonymously," cases are based on real-life situations. The case
method is intended to simulate interest through realism and active
participation. A case analysis provides an opportunity to develop skills expected of managers. It is a good strategy to consider yourself as a consultant "hired" to assist the organization under review in the case study. There may be several feasible courses of action in determining a solution to any case. It is more important to focus on the process of problem definition and isolation, analysis, and evaluation of alternatives than to try to find a single best answer. The process: 1. Read, study, and research the case thoroughly. The first step is to master the facts. Read the
case once for familiarity, making brief note of the major issues.
Read the case again to get all the facts. Make note of symptoms,
root problems, unresolved issues, and the roles and identity of key
players. Sometimes, crucial information may be missing. It
may be necessary to conduct further research outside the case,
particularly to obtain updated information. At minimum, look up
current information about the region, company, cultural situation.
2. Identify and define the central issue(s). Seek out all pertinent issues and problems.
Isolate the problem(s). Summarize the central situation and the
key players. Categorize issues and problems and decide which are
the most important. In a cross-cultural situation, be sure to
identify cultural factors which may have a bearing on the problem.
3. Analyze and evaluate alternatives. Once problems and issues are isolated, work at gaining
a fuller understanding of possible causes. Investigate, list, and
rank all possible alternatives. Weigh the pros and cons of
each. Decide which alternative(s) have the most validity.
Give your reasons for your ranking of issues and alternatives.
4. Make recommendations. Draw up a set of recommendations. Give reasons
for your recommendations as well as an agenda to be followed in solving
the problem. Be sure that recommendations are both workable and
affordable.
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