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Unit outline_

IBUS1102: Cross-Cultural Management

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Critical to effective management in international and multicultural business environments is an understanding of cultural differences and how to manage those differences. This unit provides conceptual frameworks and evidence from practice that develops an understanding of the ways in which cultures differ, how these differences can impact management, and how cultural issues can limit organisational effectiveness. Strategies for managing and harnessing cultural differences are also evaluated. The subject matter is explored from an internal perspective as well as from an external perspective, looking at issues within the company as well as issues between the multinational company and its host environment. Major topics include the significance of culture in international management; the meaning and dimensions of culture; comparative international management styles; managing communication across cultures; global business ethics; cross-cultural negotiations; cross-cultural leadership and motivation; culture and consumer behaviour; and managing cross-cultural conflict.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit International Business
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
IBUS2102
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lee Martin, lee.martin@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Lee Martin, lee.martin@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Simona Atanasovski, simona.atanasovski@sydney.edu.au
Hailey Sin, cheuk.sin@sydney.edu.au
Vivian Tang, vivian.tang@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Extended responses to questions from topics covered in the semester
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small continuous assessment Quizzes
MCQ via Canvas
20% Multiple weeks 10 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO2
Participation Participation
Attendance and active engagement in learning activities
10% Ongoing Weekly
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Group project
In-class group presentation and accompanying report
20% Week 09
Due date: 06 Oct 2023 at 23:59
15 mins presentation; 1200 word report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Peer evaluation of teamwork and communication
Peer evaluation of your teamwork and communication in the group project
10% Week 12
Due date: 27 Oct 2023 at 23:59
Short survey
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Final exam: Students are required to provide extended responses to questions on cross-cultural management issues by drawing on their learning over the whole semester.  

  • Group project:  The tutor will facilitate group formation (comprising an average of four members each) in Week 3. Each group will research, identify and analyse cross-cultural management issues in a case involving a given pair of countries. The group report and presentation slides are due in Week 9. Groups will deliver a presentation of their findings in class, in Weeks 10 - 12.

  • Peer evaluation (of group project): Group members will evaluate each other on teamwork (5%) and your peers in the tutorial will evaluate each team member on their communication skills during the presentation (5%).

  • Small continuous quizzes: Short quizzes containing multiple choice questions (MCQs) are assigned in selected weeks. Each quiz comprises questions on the course contents of the preceding weeks. The quiz must be completed in class and within the time limit specified. 

  • Participation: It is essential to come prepared to class and actively participate in the learning activities every week to benefit from the class discussions and exercises. Each week you will submit a short written response to prompts related to your participation that week.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. Students are encouraged to seek guidance and feedback from teachers throughout the semester. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

in accordance with business school policy

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Cross-Cultural Management Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Introductory activities Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 02 Cultural dimensions and frameworks Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Cultural dimensions and frameworks Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Complexities Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Complexities Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 04 Cross-cultural communication Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Cross-cultural communication Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Motivation in cross-cultural contexts Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Motivation in cross-cultural contexts Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Leadership in cross-cultural contexts Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Leadership in cross-cultural contexts Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Cross-cultural decision making and problem solving Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Cross-cultural decision making and problem solving Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Cross-cultural negotiation and conflict resolution Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Cross-cultural negotiation and conflict resolution Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 NO LECTURE due to public holiday on 2/10/23 Independent study (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Managing global assignments Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Managing global assignments Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Group presentations Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Managing global teams Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Group presentations Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Managing multicultural employees Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Group presentations Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Review and concluding insights Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Revision and practice exercises Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures and Tutorials

Attendance of all lectures and tutorials is required. Students who do not attend at least 80% of classes will struggle to perform at an average level due to missed content and guidance. Participation in interactive classes is encouraged as it enriches learning and leads to better outcomes. 

If you are facing, or potentially facing, a situation that may have an adverse impact on your studies, please inform the unit coordinator or your tutor as soon as you become aware of the situation.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed via the Reading List link in Canvas.

The essential textbook for this unit is:

Steers, R. M., & Osland, J. S. (2020) Management across cultures: Challenges, strategies, and skills (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. apply relevant frameworks and disciplinary knowledge to management across cultures
  • LO2. identify, analyse and critically evaluate cross-cultural management issues in global business
  • LO3. develop communication and negotiation skills to work effectively in diverse and global environments
  • LO4. demonstrate problem-solving skills and suggest practical and well-justified resolutions
  • LO5. identify and analyse ethical, social and institutional issues that have implications on international management
  • LO6. identify the facilitators and constraints on managerial decisions and conflict management in global environments

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes have been made to align the weights of assessments with learning objectives and support different levels of learning.

Site visit guidelines

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/writing/help-support.html https://www.library.sydney.edu.au/help/online-training/ https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/learning-hub-academic-language.html

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.