Globalization of business processes and the revolution in information and communication technologies (ICT) have resulted in distributed workflows across geographic boundaries. These developments as well as increased immigration emanating, for example, as a consequence of a shortage of skilled labour in many industrialized nations, have led to the creation of (virtual) multi-cultural, multi-ethnic teams with diverse cultural backgrounds. Such diversity generally has a positive impact on creativity and innovativeness, as many empirical studies confirm. Nevertheless, varying cultural practices, communication styles, and contextual sensibilities have the potential to disturb or even disrupt collaborative work processes, if left unmanaged.

This course focuses on inter-cultural management from both, theoretical as well as practical, points of view to provide a solid fundament to students enabling them to operate successfully in cross-cultural settings. Case studies and guest lecture(s) will be used to provide added practical relevance to the course. In addition, where practicable, student assignments will be used to foster autonomous learning.

Some of the main topics covered in this course include:

• Understanding “culture” and its impact on human interaction
• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• High and low context communication
• Role of formality and non-formality in communication
• Varying interpretations of symbols, rituals & gestures
• Managing diversity in domestic settings