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.

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students will be able 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. engage with 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.

A combination of essay, case study reports and oral presentations.

3 hour seminar

Foundation level knowledge of international business, e.g. BUSI2025/BUSN2025 International Business or MKTG2004/1004/BUSN1004/2010 Marketing

See course website

See course website

See course website

For further information please refer to the course website