Course coordinator
Consultation Hours: Mondays 14:15 to 15:15; other times by appointment only.
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 familiarises participants with the key principles and challenges faced by managers in diverse cultural settings. It uses a micro (individual-level) approach to explore cultural perspectives, including various theories and practices. This helps students understand different ways to manage people and organisations in a global economy.
The course involves active research, gathering primary data and analytical problem-solving based on both team and individual experiences in managing an international environment. The insights gained can then be applied to diverse cross-cultural settings. Participants will engage with each other as peer learners through presentations. The research students conduct during the course plays a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience for everyone. Given the research assignment’s broad scope, the topics covered will span a wide range of areas related to culture and diversity.
This course offers various learning opportunities such as presentations, exercises, case discussions, ethnographic observations, role-plays, and other experiential activities. These methods are designed to promote active learning and help participants apply concepts from the course materials.
Sustainable Development Goals - UQ Business School is a proud supporter and Advanced Signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME). As part of the largest global collaboration between business schools and the UN, the school emphasises its role in empowering students to drive societal transformation through the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs highlight that a thriving economy relies on a healthy environment, aiming to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection for a sustainable future.
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.
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
IBUS2309 or 3309
Quota: Minimum 15 enrolments
Consultation Hours: Mondays 14:15 to 15:15; other times by appointment only.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
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:
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.
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.
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection |
Group Cross-Cultural Reflection & Emic Analysis
|
40% |
Written Assessment 31/07/2025 - 4/09/2025 Presentation Slides 31/07/2025 - 18/09/2025 Take-Away Lesson 31/07/2025 - 18/09/2025
|
Essay/ Critique, Practical/ Demonstration, Project |
Cross-Cultural Work Adjustment Assignment
|
30% |
23/10/2025 1:00 pm |
Examination |
Final Examination
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Written Assessment 31/07/2025 - 4/09/2025
Presentation Slides 31/07/2025 - 18/09/2025
Take-Away Lesson 31/07/2025 - 18/09/2025
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.
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.
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:
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).
Peer reviews are compulsory and must be submitted within 5 calendar days of the assessment due date, not submitting peer reviews may decrease marks. If no peer review is received from a student after 5 calendar days, then is not included for all moderation. No exceptions!
AI Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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:
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
23/10/2025 1:00 pm
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
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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:
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
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 questions addressing topics and issues covered in the course. The questions will be in the form of short essays and extended essays or in the forma of a case study (problem solving) questions.
AI Statement
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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 |
You may be able to defer this exam.
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. |
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
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. - 2018 Edition: Fourth edition Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc ISBN: 9781506340708; 9781506368313; 9781506368306; 9781506368290; 9781544319100 |
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.
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10: 6 October 2025 is the King's Birthday Holiday - No Seminar |
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Week 1: Introduction Introduction. A comprehensive introduction to the course, the notion of cross-cultural challenges in academic and professional contexts. It will outline the course’s key expectations, assignments, learning resources, and a case-based approach, with group allocations and exploring materials accessible via Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Week 2: Imperative and challenging role of international manager Imperative and challenging role of international manager. (Class interactive discussion; In-class case study). This topic introduces the administrative foundations of international management, emphasizing the complex role of global managers within the evolving context of globalisation, cultural understanding, and strategic frameworks, alongside group formation and scheduled presentations. Compulsory integrity tutorial must be completed prior to any assessment submission in this course. https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/ Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Week 3: Describing & comparing cultures Describing culture and comparing cultures. (Class interactive activity). This topic defines culture and explores its variation through the emic-etic lens and key theoretical frameworks such as Kluckhohn and Strodbeck, Hofstede, Trompeenars, Schwartz, etc. highlighting culture's profound influence on perception, self-concept, and communication. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Week 4: Cross-cultural dimensions of decision making Cross cultural dimensions of decision making. (Class interactive discussion; In-class case study). This topic examines how cultural influences shape decision-making through social cognition, self-concept, and attribution processes, highlighting both rational and non-rational approaches, the impact of biases and information gaps across multiple levels, and the importance of cultural sense-making while critically addressing the use of stereotypes. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Week 5: Ethics in a global context Ethics in a global context. (Class interactive discussion). This topic introduces ethics in cross-cultural contexts by exploring when culture influences moral considerations and decision-making, contrasting ethical versus rational choices, examining lay and formal concepts of social responsibility, and applying structured frameworks such as the multinational ethical algorithm. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Week 6: Fundamentals of cross-cultural interactions - Experiential Simulation Fundamentals of cross-cultural interactions: Culture simulation, interactive activity, observations and reflective activity. This week, we engage in an interactive simulation. It will engage all participants in an experiential activity and reflective discussion to explore how personal values—rooted in cultural perspectives—shape ethical views and decision-making, emphasising culture as a framework for problem-solving. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Week 7: Communication across cultures Communication across cultures. (Class interactive discussion; In-class video case study). This topic delves into the complexities of communication, highlighting language barriers, the organisation of verbal codes, implicit–explicit communication styles, and the role of cultural concepts like face and cognitive consistency, supported by research that challenges assumptions about effective communication. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Week 8: in 2025 are Presentations Presentations. Class presentations based on class projects. Each group presents their research findings and provide interactive teaching lessons. |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Week 9: Cross-cultural negotiations Negotiation across cultures. (In-class case study). This topic frames negotiation as an instrumental communication process, examining its structured rules and phases, its role in resolving conflict, and the cultural dynamics at play—especially through cross-cultural perspectives and illustrated by examples that reinforce low- and high-context communication distinctions. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break No Seminar during In-Semester Break |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
Week 11: Motivation & leadership across cultures Motivation and leadership across cultures. (in-class case study). This topic examines leadership as a multifaceted concept intertwined with motivation, tracing the evolution of Western leadership theories—such as trait, behavioural, contingency, and implicit models—while evaluating their generalisability across cultures and considering factors like substitutes, prototypes, and gender in cross-cultural contexts. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Week 12: Family business & implementing international strategy Family business & implementing international strategy. This topic redefines perceptions of family businesses by examining their unique organizational characteristics, strategic and cultural challenges, management dynamics, and the evolving role of non-family members within these enterprises. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Week 13: International assignment & selection International assignments and Selection. (in-class case study). This topic addresses the multifaceted process of adjustment in international assignments, exploring assignment types, acculturation, and culture shock through theoretical models and critiques, while emphasizing the roles of selection, expatriate performance, and the need for structured re-entry programs. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) throughout course design, learning activities and / or assessment.
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:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.