BUU33802 Intercultural Management II

(5 ECTS)

Lecturer:                  

Nick McIlroy                                                 

E-mail: mcilron@tcd.ie 
Office Hours: By appointment       

Module Description: 

This module explores how global management practices need to be modified and adjusted when working in a cross-cultural context. The focus of this module is on identifying cultural differences, understanding cultural biases, and appropriately adjusting management styles accordingly. The module demonstrates that a good level of cultural intelligence (CQ) is required to operate effectively around the globe. Learners gain the knowledge and understanding of various cultures in business to improve CQ.

Managers with cultural intelligence (CQ) ensure:

1. better communications among and between managers and teams
2. drive better solutions for innovation
3. facilitate high performance management in a global setting

Learning and Teaching Approach: 

This class will be conducted face-to-face with some hybrid elements on Blackboard for you to complete. You are required to take accountability for your study and timely progress throughout the class. You are also responsible to check Blackboard at least twice a week to ensure that you stay informed on due dates or changes that may occur. The module maintains a strong applied approach to learning with the inclusion of a team-based cultural research project. This allows students to draw from the material presented throughout the sessions and use the content as the backbone for their project. There will also be an individual assignment to ensure that you understand and have the ability to critically analyse the key concepts delivered within course.

Learning Outcomes: 

Having successfully completed this module, the student should be able to:

1. Perform systematic comparative research, allowing them to identify patterns and distinctions of management practices in various cultural settings, and the risks they present;
2. Have a heightened awareness of how management practices both affect, and are affected by, the cultural environment in which the manager operates;
3. Critically assess the leading theories and concepts of this field of study;
4. Develop enhanced cultural awareness and the ability to self-reflect on one’s own cultural identity;
5. Augment an understanding of certain specific cultural contexts, thereby allowing them to become less ethnocentric and more tolerant of other cultures;
6. Identify cultural etiquette, gestures, and symbols across the globe which will equip them to manage and negotiate at an international level.

Textbooks and Required Resources:

Required textbooks: Logan, Dave, King, John, Fischer-Wright, Halee (2011) Tribal Leadership Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization.

Recommended reading: Browaeys & Roger Price (2015) Understanding cross-cultural management 3rd ed.  ISBN: 978-12920- 15897 (or later edition).

Each week I will upload articles on Blackboard for you to read along with the course content. Please make sure that you read these as they will be of immense value to you when preparing your group project.

Assessment: