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

Note: This course implementation is for the IB23S degree programme students.

In-person, in-class weekly lessons.
Course: individual assignments (reflective essay, quiz), group assignment: business culture presentation (group and individually evaluated)
Completion of all course tasks/assignments/assignment parts/assignment related (online) examinations/in-class examinations required to complete the course.
Retakes not allowed for assignments/assignment parts/assignment related (online) examinations/in-class examinations.

Timing and attendance

For the duration of the term.
Active (attendance, 80%) participation in lessons required.
Note! This is a discussion-based course implementation.

Learning material and recommended literature

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

Alternative completion methods

No alternative completion methods offered.
All course tasks/assignments/assignment parts/assignment related (online) examinations must be completed/passed to complete the course. Retakes not allowed for assignment/assignments/assignment parts/assignment related (online) examinations/in-class examinations as they are part of (the) assignment/assignments.

Learning environment

In-person, in-class weekly lessons.

Student time use and work load

About 80 hours student work.

Contents

1. Culture as an interdisciplinary phenomenon
2. Stereotype awareness
3. Theoretical frameworks for understanding cultural differences and similarities; incl. Hofstede’s 6D Model
4. Intercultural communication; Lewis’ Communication profiles
5. Cultural adaptation
6. Business cultures

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No pre-requisites. Active participation (attendance) required in lessons.
All course tasks/assignments/assignment exam(s) must be completed/passed to complete the course.
The grades for the assignment(s), assignment parts, examinations are final grades.
Alternate work or opportunities to improve in-course tasks/assignments/assignment parts not allowed.
Hard deadlines.

Assessment criteria

Grade scale 5 - 1.

Assessment scale

1-5

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).