IBUS6002: Semester 1, 2025
Skip to main content
Unit outline_

IBUS6002: Cross-Cultural Management

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

An understanding of cultural differences and how to manage such differences is critical to effective management in international and multi-cultural business environments. The aim of this unit is to provide conceptual frameworks and evidence from practice that will develop an understanding of the ways in which cultures differ, how these differences can impact on management, and how cultural issues can limit organisational effectiveness. Major topics include the significance of culture in international management, the meaning and dimensions of culture, comparative international management and leadership styles, managing communication across cultures, ethics and social responsibility in global management, cross-cultural negotiation and decision-making, forming and managing global teams, and developing the international and global manager.

Unit details and rules

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

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lee Martin, lee.martin@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment AI Allowed Group presentation
Oral presentation, Q&A, project progress tasks, peer evaluation
40% Multiple weeks 25 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Small continuous assessment AI Allowed Quizzes
Online multiple choice questions
20% Multiple weeks 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment AI Allowed Individual assignment
Learning portfolio with several tasks
40% Week 13
Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 08 Jun 2025
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

  • Individual assignment: You will submit a learning portfolio including a case analysis, reflections on several class activities in this unit, and evidence of pre-work for classes, demonstrating your active participation and integrated learning and development throughout the semester.

  • Group presentation: You will work in a team to apply relevant theories/frameworks/concepts learned in this unit to present and role-play your analysis of a cross-cultural management case. Teams will present in their tutorial in specified weeks and will be required to complete progress tasks along the way. Teams will lead a Q&A session after their presentation, and will be evaluated on their responses, as well as on the questions they raise in other teams' Q&A sessions. Your individual contribution to the group project will be peer-evaluated.

  • Quizzes: You will complete online, time-limited multiple choice quizzes in scheduled weeks. These quizzes serve to reinforce learning and ensure ongoing engagement with course material.

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

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

For more information see guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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 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.

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 international cross-cultural management Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Introduction and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 02 Systematically describing cultural differences Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 03 Context and complexities Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 04 Intercultural communication Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 05 Motivation & managerial environment Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussions and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 06 Decision making & organisational environment Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussions and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 07 Cross-cultural negotiations and conflict resolution Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussions and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 08 Global leadership Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Own study - no tutorials this week due to public holiday on Friday Independent study (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Managing global teams Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussions and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 10 Managing multicultural individuals Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussions and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 11 Emerging issues Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussions and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 12 Review Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Discussions and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  
Week 13 Extension topic - Managing global assignments Independent study (1.5 hr)  
Discussion and exercises Tutorial (1.5 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures and Tutorials / Workshops

Attendance of all live non-clashable timetabled classes (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. 

All lectures are recorded and will be uploaded on Canvas if available. Please note that the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that every class will be recorded and shared.

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 . Fifth edition. Cambridge: 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. compare cultures in terms of key cross-cultural dimensions and frameworks, interpret national cultural scores in a nuanced way, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of key concepts, theories, and models in cross-cultural management
  • LO2. critically analyse and evaluate issues in cross-cultural management scenarios, incorporating the appraisal of contextual factors, and apply relevant theories and models
  • LO3. formulate and justify strategic action plans to address cross-cultural management challenges, demonstrating practical application of theoretical concepts
  • LO4. apply theoretical knowledge of cross-cultural management to practical situations in your personal and professional lives.
  • LO5. critically reflect on your own cultural intelligence, including your strengths and areas for improvement, and articulate strategies for enhancing your effectiveness in cross-cultural interactions
  • LO6. develop and demonstrate improved communication, negotiation and teamwork skills in diverse cultural settings, particularly in the context of group projects

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.

The unit has been redeveloped this semester in response to student feedback. This includes improved an improved Canvas site, the introduction of reflective writing and changes to the group project to provide students with more scaffolded support for assessments and to encourage more active engagement and deeper learning. The low rate of failure shows that the current UoS works well.

Site visit guidelines

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/writing/help-support.html https://www.library.sydney.edu.au/help/online-training/ https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/15054/pages/university-and-business-school-policies https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/learning-hub-academic-language.html

Work, health and safety

Please keep up-to-date with university guidelines on health and safety requirements on campus. 

Disclaimer

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

This unit of study outline was last modified on 05 Feb 2025.

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