Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Students are able to
-understand cultural similarities and differences
-work effectively with international partners
-analyze business and work life cultures including Finland using different cultural frameworks
-understand culture adaptation and adjustment.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Due to the Coronavirus situation, the course will be implemented (at least until the spring break) via weekly, real-time, Zoom lessons. This implementation method will be checked, updated for the rest of the course lessons taking place after the spring break.
Course: lectures, videos, literature, individual/pair/group tasks/assignments in multicultural teams.

Timing and attendance

For the duration of the term.
Compulsory attendance to the weekly, Zoom-meet lessons.

Learning material and recommended literature

Hofstede, Hofstede & Minkov (2010): Cultures and Organizations. Software of the Mind.
Lewis, R.D. 4th Ed. (2018): When Cultures Collide.
Other study material provided by the teacher on Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

No alternate completion methods offered.

Learning environment

Due to the Coronavirus situation, the course will be implemented (at least until the spring break) via weekly, real-time, Zoom lessons. This implementation method will be checked, updated for the rest of the course lessons taking place after the spring break.

Student time use and work load

About 80 hours student work.

Contents

1. Concept of culture (Understanding culture and cultures)
2. Theoretical frameworks for understanding cultural differences and similarities
3. Communicating across cultures
4. Cultural adaptation
5. Business cultures

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No pre-requisites. Compulsory attendance and active participation in lessons. All course assignments and assignment exam(s) must be completed/passed to complete the course.
The grades for the assignment(s), assignment parts are final grades. There is no substitute work or opportunities to improve them by other means.

Assessment criteria

Grade scale 5 - 0.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student did not fulfil/meet the course requirements/learning outcomes.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student basically understands that cultural similarities and differences exist.
The student has a basic understanding of the global-mindset concept and its role in effective connections with international partners.
The student can apply some theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures.
The student understands the culture adaptation and adjustment process.
The student attends the course lessons and completes (passes) course assignment(s).

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student understands and accepts that culture similarities and differences exist.
The student has a good understanding of the global-mindset concept and its role in effective connections with international partners.
The student can apply most theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures.
The student has a good understanding of the culture adaptation and adjustment process.
The student participates in course lessons and completes (passes) the course assignment(s).

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student understands, recognizes and accepts that culture similarities and differences exist.
The student has acquired a global mindset and can work effectively with international partners.
The student can apply a variety of suitable theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures.
The student has an excellent understanding of the culture adaptation and adjustment process.
The student actively participates in course lessons and completes (passes) the course assignment(s).