Cross-Cultural Communication

Lecturer: Eric Toh

Modular value: 10 credits

Assessment

  • Individual reflective assignment: 60%
  • Group presentation: 20%
  • Peer review: 20%

This module aims to:

  • Develop cultural intelligence (CQ) through enhanced interpersonal and intercultural communication skills to improve the effectiveness of students when working in and leading multi-cultural teams and when becoming managers in an international business environment.
  • develop an understanding of culture, cultural differences, cultural values, beliefs and assumptions
  • complete your personal cultural profile using Country Navigator a web-based tool that will help you understand your own cultural preferences and compare against other fellow students and countries
  • build an awareness of the benefits (and potential barriers) towards effective intercultural communication
  • through a highly practical approach, explore how cultural differences can impact on group effectiveness, negotiations, communication, and personal presentation and impression 
  • use your cultural background as the basis for contrastive analysis across all forms of communication, including verbal, non-verbal, written and professional.
  • Become more effective international team leaders

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you will typically have knowledge and understanding of

  • the concepts of societal culture and managerial culture, and the underlying attitudes,
  • values and behaviours of different cultures
  • recent research on the impact of cultural differences in management and communication
  • the nature of communication
  • cross-cultural issues in different forms of communication – verbal, non-verbal and professional
  • how to develop and apply appropriate inter-cultural leadership skills
  • In addition to knowledge based outcomes, the learning and assessment methods used in the module will require you to develop and demonstrate your ability to
  • be critical of your own culture, behaviour and perspectives
  • be sensitive to, and tolerant of, the needs and differences of other cultures through strategically building inter-cultural rapport
  • work effectively with colleagues from different cultures
  • benefit practically from the different ideas and approaches of team members from other cultures
  • become an effective and inspiring team leader