Type of Course: Compulsory ECTS: 5
Why is intercultural communication important?
Few business transactions are carried through successfully without proper business communication. Now, more than ever before in human history, more people are coming into contact with people from cultures other than their own. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Technology makes it possible for people to travel further and faster than ever before.
- The Internet links people across national boundaries.
- The international labour force is more mobile (e.g Bolkestein Directive).
- More people are on the move than ever before: business people are active globally, political and economic refugees are trying to escape from conflicts, natural disasters and poor countries, people seek cross-cultural education.
- In many places the workforce is becoming more diverse.
Hence, in line with technological development, the way business is generally conducted has changed immensely over the past couple of decades.
Course description and learning outcomes:
This course explores different key concepts related to cultural awareness intercultural business communication. Main focus is on:
- The importance of CULTURE
- Cultural Dimensions (Survey of Research; Hall, Hofstede, Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, Trompenaars)
- Types and Stereotypes
- Profiling National Culture
- Profiling Corporate Cultures
- Profiling Group Cultures
- Gender and Communication
Teaching and Learning Methods
The approach is interactive and seminar-based. There are plenty of reading texts, related articles and case studies that encourage students to reflect on their attitudes and experience and discuss or exchange views.
The aim of the course is to introduce students to this interdisciplinary field and supplement rather than replace their own reflection, experience or training.
Assessment:
- Final exam (80%)
- Weekly or fortnightly tasks (20%)
- Attendance and participation
- All the material is uploaded online (e-class) along with relevant glossaries and suggested further reading.
