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.