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

Teaching methods: Lectures/pair/group/individual activities/assignments/online examination(s) and independent studying.
100% real-time-live-online lessons (via Zoom).

Timing and attendance

Course implementation: 31st August (Week 35) - 7th October (Week 40) 2022
Lessons as per scheduled times (TimeEdit)
31.8., 7.9., 14.9., 21.9.: Course lessons via Zoom online, real-time, live lessons, compulsory attendance
22.9. - 7.10. Course assignment(s)/assignment part(s) completed/finalized/uploaded during this time.
7.10. Final course assignment(s)/assignment part(s) completed/uploaded to course platform.
7.10.: Course ends.

Learning material and recommended literature

Materials available online.
Recommended reading:
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.

Exam retakes

All course assignments/assignment parts/assignment exam(s) must be completed/passed to complete the course.
The grades received for the assignment(s), assignment parts are final grades.

Learning environment

Moodle

Student time use and work load

About 80 hours

Contents

Contents:

1. Concept of culture (Understanding culture and cultures)
2. Stereotype awareness
2. Theoretical frameworks for understanding cultural differences and similarities
3. Communicating across cultures
4. Cultural adaptation
6. Health care cultures

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No pre-requisites.
Attendance and active participation in lessons.
All course assignments/assignment parts/assignment exam(s) must be completed/passed to complete the course.
The grades for the assignment(s), assignment parts are final grades.

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 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 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 the course assignment(s).