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Unit outline_

IBUS1102: Cross-Cultural Management

Semester 2, 2024 [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
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Online Quizzes
MCQ via Canvas
15% Multiple weeks 10 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO2
Online task Early Feedback Task
MCQ on Canvas #earlyfeedbacktask
10% Week 03
Due date: 14 Aug 2024 at 11:59

Closing date: 14 Aug 2024
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO2
Presentation group assignment Group presentation
Oral presentation, summary document, and project progress tasks
35% Week 06
Due date: 02 Sep 2024 at 23:59
15 minutes plus Q&A and 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Individual assignment
Case analysis and reflection
40% Week 13
Due date: 03 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 Nov 2024
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

 

  • Early Feedback Task: This multiple choice online quiz is designed to give you early feedback on your understanding of the foundational concepts and frameworks in this course. It covers topics from Weeks 1 and 2.

  • Quizzes: Quizzes serve to reinforce learning and ensure ongoing engagement with course material. Time-limited and scheduled in selected weeks, these multiple-choice tests cover recent topics and core concepts.

  • Group presentation: This assessment is designed to develop teamwork and analytical skills in the context of cross-cultural management. In small groups, students will lead a class review of a topic and analyse a cross-cultural management case study, drawing on relevant theories, frameworks, and concepts covered in class. Groups will present in their tutorial in specified weeks and will submit a summary document. Groups will also complete progress tasks along the way and will be evaluated on their participation in the Q&A segments of other group presentations. Clear individual contributions to the group project will be evaluated.

  • Individual assignment: This written piece is designed to assess students' ability to critically analyse and plan for international cross-cultural management scenarios and their integrated learning throughout the semester.

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 (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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

As the group oral presentation must be delivered in the designated week during your tutorial, late presentations are not allowed. As the Early Feedback Task and the quizzes are small continuous assessments intended to help you keep up with the course content, late submissions are not accepted. Late penalties for the individual assignment are 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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Cross-Cultural Management Lecture (1.5 hr) LO2
Introduction and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO2
Week 02 Cultural dimensions and frameworks Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Complexities Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 04 Intercultural communication Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Motivation in cross-cultural contexts Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Cross-cultural decision making and problem solving Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Cross-cultural negotiation and conflict resolution Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Global leadership Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Extension topic - Managing global assignments Independent study (1.5 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Managing global teams Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Managing multicultural employees Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Emerging issues Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Review and concluding insights Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Revision and concluding insights Tutorial (1.5 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., and Szkudlarek, B. (2024) Management across cultures: Challenges, strategies, and skills (5th 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 the structure and format of assessments in response to student feedback and to better align with learning objectives.

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.