The objective of this course is to enhance the ability of class members to interact effectively with people from cultures other than their own, specifically in the context of international business. The course is aimed at significantly improving the ability of practicing managers to be effective global managers. The course is concerned with considering the issues and problems of managing in cross-cultural situations, in particular at the people problems that invariably arise in international business relationships. Failure on the part of managers to understand and deal with the difference in attitudes, values and behaviour of those with whom they interact in business transactions consistently has been shown to be a major source of difficulties. The course will involve marrying theories and concepts from the broad fields of culture and international business and applying them to problems typically confronted by managers involved in international business. The course will draw on the existing knowledge and expertise of the class participants to solve problems relevant to them and their organisations.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Discuss the main theories in cross-cultural management, analyse existing research around the theoretical constructs and argue the validity of the extant literature;
2. Distinguish the relevant contextual issues in cross-cultural management in relation to international business and the multi-cultural Australian workforce;
3. Identify problems in cross-cultural management, relate the problems to the literature and suggest solutions; and,
4. Communicate effectively in oral and written forms about cross cultural management using appropriate concepts, logic and rhetorical conventions.

Research-Led Teaching

The course is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn and critique extant research in cross-cultural management. Students are expected to show a strong commitment to teamwork and to be open to interesting and challenging cultural discussions based on the case and research article. All assessments require students to have an understanding of extant research in the field. 

Field Trips

Not relevant.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs expected for this course.

Recommended Resources

1) Richard M. Steers and Joyce S. Osland.. Management across Cultures: Challenges, Strategies and Skills, 4th Ed., Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2020

2) F. Luthans, and J.P. Doh. International Management: Culture, Strategy, and Behavior, 11th Ed., McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2021

These books are also available in the library for short term loan.

A copy of the textbook both in hard copy and an e-book format will be held in the ANU library reserve & short loan collection.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given written and verbal feedback in this course.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Seminar 1 - Introduction and the Importance of cross-cultural management	Chapters 1 & 2 of Textbook 1
2	Seminar 2 - Models of cross-cultural management	Chapter 2 of Textbook 2
3	Seminar 3 - Cross-cultural abilities & skills	Chapter 5 of the Textbook 1
4	Seminar 4 - Cross-cultural teams in organisations	Chapter 9 of the Textbook 1
5	Seminar 5 - Intercultural communication in organisations	Chapter 7 of the Textbook 2
6	Mid-term exam - ON CAMPUS
7	Seminar 7 -Negotiation and conflict in cross-cultural management	Chapter 8 of the Textbook 1
8	Seminar 8 - Diversity in the workforce & Acculturation	Chapter10 of Textbook 1 and Chapter 6 of Textbook 2
9	Seminar 9 - Global careers - Expatiation and repatriation	Chapter 14 of Textbook 2
10	Seminar 10 - Leading in a multi-cultural organisation	Chapter 6 of Textbook 1
11	Seminar 11 - Employee/Employer relationships and cross-cultural management	Chapter 12 of Textbook 2
12	Seminar 12 - Cross cultural training: Effectiveness and myths	Chapter 12 of Textbook 2

Tutorial Registration

There is no tutorial associated with this course

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
In-class group discussion (weeks 2-5) - 16%	16 %	22/08/2023	29/08/2023	1,2,3,4
In-class group discussion (weeks 7-12) - 24%	24 %	24/10/2023	31/10/2023	1,2,3,4
Mid-term exam-25%	25 %	29/08/2023	15/09/2023	1,2,3
Report on case study- 35%	35 %	07/11/2023	*	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Class format:

In each week, students will be given a 1-1.5 hour pre-recorded lecture video. Students are expected to watch the video before the in-person class.

In each week, there will be a 1.5-2 hour in-person class, during which a range of discussion activities will take place. Attendance at and participation in this in-person class is expected for all teaching weeks (except for week 6 which is mid-term exam).

Note: Attendance, while not compulsory, is expected in line with "Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning", Clause 2 paragraph (b).

Examination(s)

Mid-term exam will be scheduled during week 6 class time. This exam will be in person on campus.

Assessment Task 1

In-class group discussion (weeks 2-5) - 16%

In-class group discussion (weeks 2-5) - 16%

Details of Task:

Group assessment

Group discussions based on the case and research article will take place from Week 2 to Week 5. Students are required to submit the discussion after each class every week. Feedback will be provided in week 6. The discussion in each week is worth 4 marks (4% of course total grade).

Marking criteria (Total score: 4)

1. Knowledge and Skills Application (2)

Application of models/theory

(The sureness of your grasp of the conceptual frameworks/theories that have a bearing on the discussion and your ability to apply them to the discussion). 

2. Critical Thinking and Reflection (1)

- Clarity/consistency of your arguments (Are your arguments well supported and coherent?)

- Reflecting on the learning experience

3. Presentation (1)

-Expression

(How well you can communicate your knowledge/ideas in a brief written report. This includes, but is not limited, to spelling and grammar).

Rubrics for marking

4: Exceptionally clear and outstanding answers. The answer should be very logical and based on evidence from the case as well as beyond.

3: Clear and concise discussions. Responses should demonstrate clarity of thought and flow in the application of theory and concepts.

2: Clear and Concise discussion, however, where logic is not that strong and application to theory/concepts is somewhat weak.

1: Responses to some parts, but with good application to the theory

0: Poorly structured response with little or no application of concepts/theory and information from case

Rubric

4	3	2	1	0
Exceptionally clear and outstanding answers. The answer should be very logical and based on evidence from the case as well as beyond.	Clear and concise discussions. Responses should demonstrate clarity of thought and flow in the application of theory and concepts.	Clear and Concise discussion, however, where logic is not that strong and application to theory/concepts is somewhat weak.	Responses to some parts, but with good application to the theory	Poorly structured response with little or no application of concepts/theory and information from case

Assessment Task 2

In-class group discussion (weeks 7-12) - 24%

Group assessment

Group discussions based on the case and research article will take place from Week 7 to Week 12. Students are required to submit the discussion after each class every week. Feedback will be provided in the week after week 12. The discussion in each week is worth 4 marks (4% of course total grade).

Marking criteria (Total score: 4)

1. Knowledge and Skills Application (2)

Application of models/theory

(The sureness of your grasp of the conceptual frameworks/theories that have a bearing on the discussion and your ability to apply them to the discussion). 

2. Critical Thinking and Reflection (1)

- Clarity/consistency of your arguments (Are your arguments well supported and coherent?)

- Reflecting on the learning experience

3. Presentation (1)

-Expression

(How well you can communicate your knowledge/ideas in a brief written report. This includes, but is not limited, to spelling and grammar).

Rubrics for marking

4: Exceptionally clear and outstanding answers. The answer should be very logical and based on evidence from the case as well as beyond.

3: Clear and concise discussions. Responses should demonstrate clarity of thought and flow in the application of theory and concepts.

2: Clear and Concise discussion, however, where logic is not that strong and application to theory/concepts is somewhat weak.

1: Responses to some parts, but with good application to the theory

0: Poorly structured response with little or no application of concepts/theory and information from case

Rubric

4	3	2	1	0
Exceptionally clear and outstanding answers. The answer should be very logical and based on evidence from the case as well as beyond.	Clear and concise discussions. Responses should demonstrate clarity of thought and flow in the application of theory and concepts.	Clear and Concise discussion, however, where logic is not that strong and application to theory/concepts is somewhat weak.	Responses to some parts, but with good application to the theory	Poorly structured response with little or no application of concepts/theory and information from case

Assessment Task 3

Mid-term exam-25%

Students are expected to read and study all assigned readings. The test will consist of short answer and/or essay questions. The test content will pull heavily from assigned readings, lecture notes, and class discussions. In the exam, you will be asked to go beyond factual knowledge by integrating what you have learned into a bigger picture of cross-cultural differences and by applying your knowledge and experience to practical cross-cultural management problems.

Exam Date: The exam will be scheduled during week 6 class time.

Exam Venue: in class on campus

Exam Type: in-person invigilated exam

Assessment Task 4

Report on case study- 35%

Individual assessment

The purpose of this assignment is to assess students’ ability to identify the cultural values and dimensions of different cultures and their impact on international business performance. The students should apply this knowledge from the perspective of a consultant, advising the company how they could mitigate some of the cross-cultural problems to enhance business performance.

Details of task: Report on a case study and identify the problems in relation to cross-cultural management in this context. Assume the role of a management consultant specialized in communication and based on existing research provides recommendations on how these problems can be overcome. At least 12 relevant academic references should be cited in the report.

You must have the following sections to your report:

Cover page

Executive summary(is NOT included in the word limit )

Introduction

Literature review (brief review about the cultural issues you have found in the case)

Analysis of the problem

Recommendations

Summary

References

Marking criteria

 

Content (30)

Appropriate identification of the problem

Detailed discussion and analysis of relevant theoretical perspective(s) in relation to the problem

Discussion of relevant contextual issues associated with the problem

Inclusion of key citations from research to analyse the problem

Creative and effective recommendations to rectify the problem

Detailed description of the recommendations (including a budget if necessary)

Recommendations presented in order of priority

Links between the recommendations and existing theories/research

Rationale behind the choice of recommendations

Suggestions on relevant follow up activities when necessary.

Report Format (5)

Report has all the sections suggested in the case study/Each section consists of information relevant to that section

Professional format of the report/Appropriate sentence structure, grammar and word limit

Appropriate paraphrasing, quoting and summarising from sources

All ideas taken from sources are appropriately referenced

Reference list matches in-text references and is written in a consistent style

Total Marks: 35

Word limit: 2000 words

Note: Tables, figures, reference list, and appendices are not included in the word limit. There will be a penalty of 3% for exceeding the word limit.

Due Date: 5 PM Tuesday, 7th of November 2023

Report to be submitted via Turnitin on the course Wattle site.

Estimated return date: Marked assignments will be available after the release of final grades.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

No hard copy submission would be required for this course.

Late Submission

Assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% per working day. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days of the due date.

All requests for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/notices-for-students/extension-application-procedure/

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details above

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students