Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
This course is designed to convey the major principles relating to management across cultural and national boundaries. It focuses on interpersonal approaches between people of different cultures in work settings as opposed to a country specific approach. That is, the approach is used to understand the effect of culture in a way that can then be applied to a wide variety of cross-cultural interactions in several organisational contexts. Participants will interact, examine concepts and cases to increase awareness and understanding concerning the influence of culture on management and management practices.
This course is designed to familiarise participants the major principles and issues that face managers across cultures. It utilises a micro approach to provide a glimpse of cultural perspectives, including alternative theories and practices to familiarise students to different approaches to manage people and organisations in a global economy. Therefore, it is a cross cultural approach as opposed to a country specific approach.
Through collaborative and individual research, you will evaluate the influence of culture on management and management practices, which can then be applied to a wide variety of cross-cultural settings. Participants will interact and be peer learners through presentations. Therefore, the research that you will conduct in the course will be very important to facilitate the learning process of all participants. The topics presented in the course will encompass a wide range of areas related to culture and diversity.
The course will include a range of learning opportunities including presentations, exercises, case discussions, ethnographic observations and experience, role-plays, and other experiential exercises to foster active learning and application of concepts highlighted in assigned readings.
The course is valuable for cross-cultural situations and the content stands the test time. The knowledge gained from the course becomes salient when an individual is pushed beyond one's cultural comfort zone. A student from 2009, deliberately gave me unsolicited feedback concerning how valuable and salient the knowledge learnt in the course is now, he now works for UQ's International Student Recruitment.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students will benefit from basic and advanced knowledge of management and organisational behavioural concepts. Before attempting this course, students are advised to have completed or familiar with advanced knowledge of management and organisational behavioural concepts.ﾠNo responsibility will be accepted by the School of Business, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or The University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.
It is the student's responsibility to attend classes, read all compulsory readings, consult designated notice boards and websites for correct and up-to-date information regarding the course, including examination times. Relying onﾠfellow students to pass on information may result in incorrect information for which the lecturer and university willﾠnot be held responsible.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
IBUS2309 or 3309
Restrictions
Quota: Minimum 15 enrolments
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course focuses on the challenges and opportunities associated with organisational management in the global environment. Students will learn how culture influences business practices and behaviours,ﾠ critically analyse 'situated' culture-specific factors, apply theories, tools, concepts and skills ﾠrelevant to managing effectively in today’s global environment. Students will be challenged toﾠ synthesise knowledge they have gained from other business core courses and apply them to case studies and real-life cross-cultural situations. Students will engage in active research and ﾠanalytical problem-solving related to managing in the international environment based on team andﾠ self experience(s).
The course will include a range of learning opportunities, including presentations, exercises, case ﾠdiscussions, role-plays, other experiential exercises, and team learning to foster application ofﾠ concepts covered in the course. On the completion of this course, students should have been exposed ﾠto, as well as read, information that would enable them to:
a) Understand ways in which national and sub-cultures vary, thus move beyond sophisticated stereotyping.
b) Comprehend a multiple cultures perspective, including intercultural communication, and achieve greater self-awareness and understand cultural expectations and goals.
c) Be familiar with ﾠalternative practices that exist in international business and organisational settings.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how culture(s) influence cross-cultural management.
LO2.
Conduct independent research to develop individual and team written, as well as oral projects.
LO3.
Have knowledge of working with multicultural groups.
LO4.
Apply relevant theories and/or frameworks to analyse concepts and/or issues in cross-cultural management.
LO5.
Evaluate ethical and social issues associated with operating in an international business context.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection |
Group Cross-Cultural Reflection & Emic Analysis
|
40% |
Written Assessment 25/07/2024 - 29/08/2024 Presentation Slides 5/09/2024 - 3/10/2024 Take-Away Lesson 5/09/2024 - 3/10/2024 |
| Essay/ Critique, Practical/ Demonstration, Project |
Cross-Cultural Work Adjustment Assignment
|
30% |
17/10/2024 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Group Cross-Cultural Reflection & Emic Analysis
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Written Assessment 25/07/2024 - 29/08/2024
Presentation Slides 5/09/2024 - 3/10/2024
Take-Away Lesson 5/09/2024 - 3/10/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Peer assessed, Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Your task in this assignment (as a multicultural group) is to abstract concepts from the Culture Stimulus and analyse the issue(s) from a cross-cultural perspective, then develop a topic that is relevant to international business and/or cross-cultural management. Please see the MGTS7329 Assignment Guide available on Blackboard for full details, criteria and rubric. Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard to pass the assignment.
All aspects of this assignment relate to employability building skills.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. This includes dictionary and translation applications (APPs).
This entire group assignment is worth 40% of your final mark. The assignment consists of multiple parts, all group members must participate in all aspects of the assignment, please consult your assignment guide for details. Not submitting the individual contribution materials will exclude you from receiving the group’s mark, since it implies you made no contribution(s) to the group assignment.
Groups will be randomly created by the course coordinator/facilitator. Team changes deadline is week 3. Once the teams are created you must contact your group by the end of week 3 or risk not having a group and conducting the assignment by yourself, as well as losing out on group marks. 48 hours is a reasonable response time, or as agreed in the team charter.
Each group will be randomly assigned a presentation date. All are in the same situation, so please take note of your presentation time and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Peer Evaluation: The purpose of this evaluation is to assess a member’s contribution to the group effort. Group members may contribute to the group along various dimensions. These include their organisation/project management, knowledge/research, communication, and responsibility, including supporting the group and members in any way. Use the 9-point rating scale given below to rate yourself and members of your group. Please be as objective as possible, taking behaviours rather than personal style into consideration. Peer reviews are compulsory to ensure that a contribution score is available for all moderation.
Instructions: You are required to assess your peers on their contribution to the group assignment by allocating each group member a mark in each of the four criteria. For each criterion, allocate a mark between one and six, where a mark of one (1) indicates no contribution or submitting contribution passed the agreed group deadline, and a mark of nine (9) indicates that they made the maximum contribution possible.
1 = Person demonstrated no contribution in this criterion or submitted contributions past the agreed-upon group deadline.
1.01 – 1.99 = Person demonstrated a low contribution to the group in this criterion.
2 – 3.99 = Person demonstrated a medium-low contribution to the group in this criterion.
4 – 5.99 = Person demonstrated a medium-level contribution to the group in this criterion.
6 – 8.4 = Person consistently demonstrated a medium-high level of contribution to the group in this criterion.
8.5 - 9 = Person consistently demonstrated high-level contribution to the group in a criterion.
· A mark of six (6) or less (1 to 6), based on the above guide (out of 9) for any criteria, requires a comment; otherwise, it is invalid.
· To take account of the possibility that a student does not contribute to one or all criteria, 1 signifies that a student has not contributed.
· Peer reviews are compulsory and must be submitted within five days of the assessment due date, not submitting peer reviews may decrease marks. If no peer review is received from a student after 5 days, then no contribution scores are calculated and not available for all moderation. No exceptions!
Important Mark Moderation Based on Peer Review – highest score is 9, see explanation below.
The moderation of individual marks will be based on the following overall average review):
· 8.5 to 9.0 (consistently demonstrated full contribution to group), no deduction from group mark.
· 8.0 to 8.4 (demonstrated medium-high level contribution) 5% deduction from group mark.
· 6.0 to 7.99 (demonstrated medium level contribution), 15% deduction from group mark.
· 3.0 to 5.99 (demonstrated medium-low contribution), 25% deduction from group mark.
· 1.01 to 2.99 (demonstrated low contribution in several criteria or submitted contribution passed agreed group deadline), 50% deduction from group mark.
· 1, no individual mark will be awarded.
Criteria 1: Organisation/Project Management
Allocate a mark between one (1) and six (6) for all criterion to each team member for their role in contributing to the process needed to complete the assignment.
- Consider their approach to setting up meeting times and work submission deadlines as well as their willingness to listen to other team members' opinions.
Criteria 2: Knowledge/research
Allocate a mark to each team member for their contribution of research, knowledge, opinions, and skills to team discussions and work completion.
- Maintaining academic integrity (ensuring original work; no plagiarised and/or AI-generated materials).
Criteria 3: Communication
Allocate a mark to each team member for how well they collaborated and communicated with others in the team and fulfilled their roles within the team. To determine your mark consider if each team member:
- was present at all meetings, as long as feasibly possible(either in person or via phone/online) (barring legitimate reasons);
- played an active role in facilitating agreement and resolving conflict and;
- provided timely responses to all communications and queries.
Criteria 4: Responsibility
Allocate a mark to each team member for how well they took responsibility for the team’s outcome, and consistently acted in a manner that demonstrated they were keen for the team to perform well (e.g., supporting the team).
- This includes ensuring that the English language is used in all forms of communication. Since the official language of Australia is English, non-compliance can lead to assessments awarded the mark of zero, and non-compliance in group/team settings be interpreted as exclusionary behaviour, a form of bullying and a serious offence.
AI Statement
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Only one electronic copy of the assignment per group must be submitted to Turnitin via Blackboard.
Please note that when you successfully submit an e-copy you should receive a receipt stating that you have submitted your assignment. If you do not receive a receipt, then you have NOT successfully submitted your e-copy. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have successfully submitted your assignment.
Feedback for the assignment will be provided in relation to the assignment criteria.
Checklist:
- Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard.
- Ensure you have consulted the assignment guide. Ensure that when submitting the assignment that all parts are included. Assignments should be typed, font size should be legible (12 point). Number all pages (except the title page) consecutively. A list of works consulted works must be included and referenced appropriately; see referencing style criteria in the assignment guide.
- Ensure that when submitting the assignment that all parts are included.
- The assignment must be submitted in Word doc. format electronically via Turn-it-in on the course Blackboard assessment link in Word format.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Cross-Cultural Work Adjustment Assignment
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Practical/ Demonstration, Project
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
17/10/2024 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The objective of this practical assignment is for you to learn about cross cultural work experiences and/or general adjustment processes of working in a different culture or cultures. Thus, you are required to analyse the applicability of management concept(s) across cultures and/or issues that face people when they are placed in a new work environment in another culture(s).
This practical project is an individual assignment. You are required to interview people who have had work experience in at least two (2) nations for longer than six months in each nation. The interviews will be the basis of a case study on how culture affects work and/or general adjustment to work environments in Australia or other nations.
All aspects of this assignment relate to employability building skills. In particular, towards building cultural empathy and considering competing perspectives.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including dictionary and translation Apps. Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Please see the MGTS7329 Assignment Guide available on Blackboard for full details, criteria and rubric.
Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard to pass the assignment.
You must submit a copy of your interview transcripts and consent forms.
AI Statement
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Only an electronic copy of your assignment must be submitted to Turnitin via Blackboard.
Please note that when you successfully submit an e-copy you should receive a receipt stating that you have submitted your assignment. If you do not receive a receipt, then you have NOT successfully submitted your e-copy. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have successfully submitted your assignment.
Feedback for the assignment will be provided in relation to the assignment criteria.
Checklist:
- Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard.
- Ensure you have consulted the assignment guide. Ensure that when submitting the assignment that all parts are included. Assignments should be typed, font size should be legible (12 point). Number all pages (except the title page) consecutively. A list of works consulted works must be included and referenced appropriately; see referencing style criteria in the assignment guide.
- Ensure that when submitting the assignment that all parts are included.
- The assignment must be submitted in Word doc. format electronically via Turn-it-in on the course Blackboard assessment link in Word format.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The final exam will address all materials covered in the course, seminars and readings. This course's seminar objectives and class discussions will form the basis for the examination questions. It is important that you take time to revise your understanding of all seminar objectives and relevant course content. Past experience indicates that students need to study in order to pass the final examination.
You will be given 10 minutes perusal time and 90 minutes working time. The exam will include short essay, extended essay or case study (problem solving) questions.
AI Statement
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
The course has a multicultural (culture, language, gender) work group component, whereby all members receive the same mark for the works completed. There is an opportunity for members to conduct peer reviews that may moderate the marks received for each member based on their contributions. If you cannot meet the criteria for the group assignment, you need to consider deferring the course until you can or risk failing the Group Assignment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Any work you submit online has a legal declaration, thus by submitting your work you are agreeing to the declaration.
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that: 1) It is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; 2) No part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; 3) No Artificial Intelligence Application has been used to aid producing the work; and 4) you have read and completed the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy and understand its implications as mandated in the course:
http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct.
https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/student-code-conduct-policy
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Book |
Cross-cultural management: essential concepts
by Thomas; David C.; Peterson; Mark F.; Thomas; David C. - 2018 Edition: Fourth edition Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc ISBN: 9781506340708; 9781506368313; 9781506368306; 9781506368290 |
Additional learning resources information
The best way for students to purchase with the best price would be via SAGE's distributor “Booktopia”.
Using the promotion code: SAGE10, you will be able to get 10% off the current special price of AUD 82.75 (paperback) from the sole distributor, Booktopia Publisher Services. Plus, Booktopia offer FREE SHIPPING to all adopted titles from Sage Publishing.
Link : https://www.booktopia.com.au/cross-cultural-management-david-c-thomas/book/9781506387529.html
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goal throughout course learning activities.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Introduction Introduction. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Imperative and challenging role of international manager Imperative and challenging role of international manager. (Class interactive discussion; In-class case study). Compulsory integrity tutorial must be completed prior to any assessment submission in this course. https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/ Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Describing & comparing cultures Describing culture and comparing cultures. (Class interactive activity). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Cross-cultural dimensions of decision making Cross cultural dimensions of decision making. (Class interactive discussion; In-class case study). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Ethics in a global context Ethics in a global context. (Class interactive discussion). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Fundamentals of cross-cultural interations Fundamentals of cross-cultural interations: Culture simulation, interactive activity; observations and reflective activity. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Communication across cultures Communication across cultures. (Class interactive discussion; In-class video case study). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Cross-cultural negotiations Negotiation across cultures. (In-class case study). *Presentation/Peer Learning Activity. Note: Depending on class size, the Group Oral Presentations may take place in Week 8 or Week 12; the date will be determined by Week 2. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Motivation & leadership across cultures Motivation and leadership across cultures. (in-class case study). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Mid Sem break |
Seminar |
In-Semester Break No Seminar during In-Semester Break |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Family business & implementing international strategy Family business & implementing international strategy. *Due to class sizes, this scheduled topic may change or delivered in a different week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
International assignment & selection International assignments and Selection. (in-class case study). *Due to class sizes, this scheduled topic may change or delivered in a different week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Presentation based on team assignments *Presentation/Peer Learning Activity. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Managing across cultures in the future & Q&A Managing across cultures in the future *If required, completion of Presentation/Peer Learning Activity. Please see note in Week 8. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
The course has a multicultural (culture, language, gender) work group component, whereby all members receive the same mark for the works completed. There is an opportunity for members to conduct peer reviews that may moderate the marks received for each member based on their contributions. If you cannot meet the criteria for the group assignment, you need to consider deferring the course until you can or risk failing the Group Assignment.
Students must submit all assessments to pass the course.