BSAD
560
INTERCULTURAL BUSINESS RELATIONS
(Portland, May 2009)
| Instructor: Dr Charles Tidwell | Phone: (269) 471 - 6160 | E-Mail: tidwell@andrews.edu |
| Office:
211 Administration Andrews University Berrien Springs, MI 49104 |
Fax: (269) 471 - 6246 | Web: http://www.andrews.edu/~tidwell |
|
Class Times TBA |
Links
Class Notes
Cases
Study Guide
Note:Study Guide
link
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. |
|
| 1. Country Study Assume your employer is planning a business trip to
________. Prepare a country study giving significant
demographics, key
cultural traits, pertinent business information, and a brief reading
list. Present this in three modes:
A. An ten to fifteen minute (10-15) 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 handout for all class participants). 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 person. 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. 2. Case Study Prepare and submit a
detailed, written analysis of one case study as chosen /
assigned. Choice of cases will be done on a first-come
basis. Present your case study
analysis orally to the class (20 minute
presentation). If a powerpoint is used, it also needs to 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. Submit a two paragraph summation (one page or about 200 words in 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 case sutdy presentations are scheduled. No late submissions accepted since these readings can be done in advance. Basic guidelines for case study analysis are given below. 3. Research Paper Write a subtantial research paper based showing your
ability to understand and analyze cultural traits and apply them to a
business setting. As a first step, 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) as studied during the course.
The overall structure of the paper should be: A. Part 1: Description and analysis of your culture (using the framework you designed for cultural pattern and analysis); B. Part 2: Description and analysis of another culture (using the same framework as in Part 1); 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 three 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 two sections before submitted the final work. The first submitted section should be Part 1. The second submitted section should be Part 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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| Class 1: Monday,
May 4 Topics: Developing a Global Perspective; Globalization Issues 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" Class 2: Tuesday, May 5 Topics: Communication and Culture Class 3: Tuesday, May 5 Topics: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 2 Video: Managing the Overseas Assignment Class 4: Wednesday, May 6 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 Class 5: Thursday, May 7 Topic: Cultural Taxonomies (Kluckhohn, Hall, Hofstede, Bond) Review: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 1, esp pp 17 - 22 Class 6: Thursday, May 7 Topic: Cultural Taxonomies (Kluckhohn, Hall, Hofstede, Bond) Class 7: Sunday, May 17 Due: Country Guide Presentations as scheduled Topic: Global Negotiations Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 3 Class 8: Sunday, May 17 Video: Moscow on the Hudson Class 9: Monday, May 18 Topic: Organizational Cultures Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 4 Class 10: Tuesday, May 19 Topic: Cross-Cultural Synergy Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 5, 9, 13, esp pp. 440-451 Video: The Colonel Comes to Japan Class 11: Tuesday, May 19 Topic: Relocation Issues Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 10 Class 12: Wednesday, May 20 Topic: Gender and Diversity Issues; Business Protocol Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 6 Class 13: Thursday, May 21 Due: Case Study Presentations as scheduled Topics: Global Performance Issues; Ethical Issues in Intercultural Business Read: Moran, Harris and Moran, Chapter 8 Class 14: Thursday, May 21 Video: Gung Ho Class 15: Sunday, May 31 Final Examination: details to be announced. Sunday, June 14 *Due: Research Paper, Part I (submit electronically) Sunday, June 21 *Due: Research Paper, Part 2 (submit electronically) Sunday, June 28 *Due: Full Research Paper (submit electronically) *These assignments are due NO LATER than midnight of the day indicated. |
| 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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