BSAD560
Intercultural
Business Relations
Andrews
University B School of
Business
Second
Summer Session, June 6 – 30, 2011
Course
Outline
Faculty
Information Instructor: Dr
Charles Tidwell E‑Mail: tidwell@andrews.edu Office
Phone: (269) 471 ‑ 6160
Web:
http://www.andrews.edu/~tidwell |
Class
Times and Location M - Th, 6 - 9:30 pm Chan Shun
Hall, Room 227 Office
Hours M-Th 2 - 4 pm 211
Administration |
Course
Description
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.
Course
Objectives
1.
Increase
understanding of the relationship between culture and communication,
with
emphasis on the impact of culture on business practices.
2.
Provide
an intellectual framework (such as taxonomies, cultural patterns, and
verbal /
nonverbal codes) which allows for analysis and assists the promotion of
understanding between disparate cultures.
3.
Develop
skills to improve communication with individuals from other cultures
with the
aim of developing an intercultural competence, particularly from a
business
perspective.
4.
Develop
business analysis skills focusing on issues in cross‑cultural
management
through the use of selected case studies.
5.
Develop a
broader awareness of other cultures by
identifying and explaining cultural issues as portrayed in popular
culture.
Readings
Class
Discussion
Adler, N.
J. with Gundersen, A. (2008). “Chapter
1: Culture and management.” International
dimension of organizational
behavior, 5th ed. Mason, OH: Thompson South-western. Pp. 5–35.
Chaney,
L. H. & Martin, J. S. (2011). “Chapter 1: The nature of
intercultural communication.” in L. H. Chaney & J. S. Martin,
(2011).
Intercultural business communication,
5th ed.
New York: Prentice Hall. Pp. 1-21.
Chaney,
L. H. & Martin, J. S. (2011). “Chapter 6: Oral and
non-verbal communication patterns.” in L. H. Chaney & J. S. Martin,
(2011).
Intercultural business communication,
5th ed.
New York: Prentice Hall. Pp. 115-137.
Ferraro,
G. P.
(1998). “Chapter 7: Coping with culture shock.”
The cultural dimension of international business, 3rd
ed. Upper
Saddle
River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Pp. 130-141.
Hofstede, G.
(2010). “Culture.” Retrieved 5 May 2011
from http://www.geerthofstede.nl/culture.aspx
Hofstede, G.
(2010). “Prehistory of
culture.”
Retrieved 26 May 2010 from http://www.geerthofstede.nl/culture/prehistory-of-culture.aspx
Hofstede, G.
(2010). “Dimensions of national culture.” Retrieved 26 May 2010 from http://www.geerthofstede.nl/culture/dimensions-of-national-cultures.aspx
Hofstede, G.
(2002). “Dimensions
do not exist: A reply to Brendan McSweeney.”
Human Relations 55, 1355-1361.
Hofstede, G.
(1980). “Motivation,
leadership and organization: Do American theories apply abroad?”
Organizational Dynamics 1, 42-63.
Jandt, F. E.
(2007). “Dimensions
of Culture.” In An introduction to
intercultural communication: Identities in a global community. 5th
ed. Thousand
Oaks, CA: Sage. Pp
159–181.
McDaniel,
E. R., Samovar, L. A., & Porter, R. E. (2009). “Understanding
intercultural communication: The working principles.” In L. A.
Samovar,
R. E. Porter, and E. R. McDaniel (eds),
(2009), Intercultural communication: A reader, 12th
ed. Wadsworth. Pp. 6-17.
Professional
Readings
Intercultural
Communication
Evanoff, R.
(2006). “Integration in intercultural ethics.” International
Journal of Intercultural Relations, 30, 421-437.
de Moiij,
M. & Hofstede, G. (2010). The Hofstede
model: Applications to global branding and advertising strategy and
research.” International Journal of Advertising,
29.1, 85-110.
Schuler,
R.S., et al.
(1996). Managing human resources in Mexico: A
cultural
understanding.” Business Horizons,
39, 55-61.
Country
and Culture Studies
Hinner, M. B.
(2009). “A brief comparison and analysis
of German
and American business cultures.” in L. A. Samovar, R. E. Porter, and E.
R.
McDaniel, (2009), Intercultural
communication: A reader, 12th ed. Wadsworth. Pp. 302-312.
McDaniel,
E. R. and Katsumata, E. (2009).
“Enculturation of values in the education
setting: Japanese group orientation.” In
L. A. Samovar, R. E. Porter, and E. R. McDaniel, (2009), Intercultural
communication: A reader, 12th ed.
Wadsworth. Pp. 365-376.
Rarick,
C., & Nickerson, I. (2006). “An
exploratory study of Myanmar culture using Hofstede’s
value dimensions.” A paper was presented
at the 2006 AIB-Southeast Asia Division Conference, Bangkok, Thailand.
Course
Assignments
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.
A 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 (due at the end
of the
week), and,
C.
A one‑page Abrochure@ 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 in the class. Choice of country will be on a first-come first
serve
basis. Sign up for this as soon as
possible. Notify the instructor of your
preferred choice by e‑mail. As
soon as possible, the presentation schedule will be posted on the
course web
site.
2. Group
Case Study
Students
will divide into groups of 2 or more
(there will be a maximum total of two 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. Research
Paper
Write a
substantial 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 Adesign@ 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 Aworks 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
sections 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 Aworks cited@ page. The final paper must include all three
parts.
4. Professional
Readings
A.
Read
four (4) articles from the Professional Readings list and provide a
brief
summary / reflection of each one (each summary / reflection is not to
exceed
one page or 250 words. Use an informal report style).
B.
Search
professional journals (using an academic data base from the library) in
the
area of intercultural communication or country studies and read at
least three (3)
additional articles in that area (articles must have been published
within the
last ten years).
Submit an
annotated
reading list which includes a short 75 word abstract for each article
read.
In
addition, recommend one article as an
addition to the recommended professional readings list and provide a
brief
rationale explain why the article should be included in the reading
list.
5. 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 the assigned readings). A study
guide will be provided as a general review aid.
Course
Regulations
1. Grading
Grades
will be based on a percentage of
points possible as follows:
Assignment
Points
% (approximate)
Possible
Country
Study
50
14% (40%
presentation, 30% handout, 30% written report)
Case Study
75
21% (50%
presentation, 50 % written report)
Research
paper
100
29%
Final Exam
75
21%
Outside
Readings
25
08%
Other
Assignments 25
08%
Total
350
100%
Grading
Scale:
A =
94‑100% B+ = 87‑89
C+ =
77‑79 D =
50‑61 F
= below 50%
A‑ = 90‑93
B
= 83‑86 C = 65‑76
B‑ = 80‑82
C‑ = 62‑64
Borderline
grades may 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 2010-2011 Andrews University Bulletin,
p. 30 will apply.
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 2010‑2011 Andrews
University Bulletin, pp. 29-30.
Class
Schedule
Class
1: Monday, June 6
Topics: Developing a Global Perspective;
Globalization Issues; Culture
Defined
Read: Adler, Chaney 1, Jandt
Video:
Cross‑Cultural
Understanding
Class
2: Tuesday, June 7
Topics: Understanding Beliefs,
Values and Norms;
Understanding
American Values and Traits
Video: Doing
Business in Chile
Class
3: Wednesday, June 8
Topic: Cultural Taxonomies (Kluckhohn, Hall,
Hofstede,
Bond)
Read: Hofstede
materials
Class
4: Thursday, June 9
Topic:
Cultural Taxonomies (Kluckhohn, Hall,
Hofstede,
Bond)
Friday,
June 10
Due by noon: Professional Readings
Assignment. Submit
electronically.
Class
5: Monday, June 13
Topics: Communication and Culture
Read: Chaney 2, McDaniel
Class
6: Tuesday, June 14
Topics: Verbal and Nonverbal
Communication
Class
7: Wednesday, June 15
Video: Moscow
on the Hudson
Class
8: Thursday, June 16
Topic: Global
Negotiations;
Organizational
Cultures;
Cross‑Cultural Synergy
Video: The
Colonel Comes to Japan
Class
9: Monday, June 20
Due: Country
Guide Presentations as scheduled
Class
10-12
Open dates to work on research
paper and
Group work
as needed.
Friday,
June 24
Due by
noon:
Research Paper Part 1 and 2.
Submit
electronically
Class
13 Monday, June 27
Topics: Relocation Issues; Gender
and
Diversity
Issues;
Business Protocol
Read:
Ferraro
Class
14: Tuesday, June 28
Topics: Global Performance Issues;
Ethical Issues
in
Intercultural Business
Class
15: Wednesday, June 29
Due: Group
Case Study Presentations
Video: Gung
Ho
Class
16: Thursday, June 30
Final Examination: details to be
announced.
Sunday,
July 3: Assignment Due
Due by midnight: complete Research Paper.
Submit electronically
A
Brief Guide for Preparing A Case Analysis
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 throughly.
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.